In Pattaya, there is perhaps nothing more important in your home than an air conditioning unit. However, should yours need replacing or indeed, you want to install one in a different room, knowing which size you should go for can be confusing. Air conditioning is measured in BTUs and going too low, and it will have little impact, going too high, and it will be extremely inefficient. Here is our quick guide to air conditioners.
What is BTU?
BTU is the standard measurement used for all air conditioning units around the world. It is an old imperial unit with 1 BTU being “the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid water by one degree from 60° to 61° Fahrenheit at a constant pressure of one atmosphere.” Naturally, a BTU was originally used for heating in the US but has continued with more modern cooling systems.
General Rules
The minimum sized air conditioning unit that you should consider in order to be effective, and indeed the minimum stocked by most suppliers, is a 7,000 BTU unit which can cool a small room (18sqm) such as a home office on a hot day. Modern smaller studio units in Pattaya that are approximately 24sqm need a 10,000 BTU unit and 36sqm units require around 15,000 BTUs. We always recommend opting for their better-known brands as they tend to retain their efficiency, if regularly maintained, for longer.
Air Conditioning Units by Room Size
| Room Size (SQM) | BTU |
| 9-14 | 8,000 |
| 14-23 | 9,000 |
| 23-28 | 10,000 |
| 28-33 | 12,000 |
| 33-37 | 14,000 |
| 37-42 | 18,000 |
| 42-60 | 25,000 |
For most condo owners, they will already know the size of their unit and the rooms, but for homeowners, this may be more difficult. However, simply work out the area in square metres by measuring the length and breadth of your room and multiplying the two figures together. Then use our chart as a guide.
Different Types of Unit
There are several different types of air conditioning unit, but the most common are wall units, cassettes and portable appliances. It condos, depending on the developer and the age of the building, you will probably have either a wall unit or a cassette. Both have their pros and cons. Cassette units are hidden away in the ceiling and therefore take up less space. They are more aesthetically pleasing, but maintenance requires more work to take them down.
Wall units are easier to maintain and are now far more compact than they ever used to be. However, some people don’t like to have a box unit mounted on their walls. Of course, assuming that you aren’t purchasing a new property, the choice will largely be a personal one.
Get the Professionals!
Unless you are an expert at DIY, we would always recommend that you get the professionals in to fit your unit. It will help to ensure that your unit not only looks good but is safe too! There are several professional companies around, and a member of our team will be happy to make suggestions.
