BTU Size Guide
Understanding BTU capacity and choosing the right mini split BTU rating for your Texas cooling needs.
BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures cooling capacity - how much heat a mini split can remove per hour. Choosing the right BTU size is crucial for efficiency and comfort in Texas heat.
Each BTU rating below includes detailed information about capacity, room coverage, Texas-specific adjustments, and real-world applications. Click on any BTU size to learn more.
9,000 BTU
0.75 Ton150-400 sq ft
The 9,000 BTU mini split is ideal for small spaces like bedrooms, home offices, or studio apartments. In Texas, this siz...
- Small bedrooms (150-300 sq ft)
- Home offices and study rooms
- Studio apartments
12,000 BTU
1 Ton400-550 sq ft
The 12,000 BTU (1-ton) mini split is the most popular size for medium-sized rooms. It handles 400-550 square feet in sta...
- Master bedrooms (400-500 sq ft)
- Dens and family rooms
- Large home offices
18,000 BTU
1.5 Ton550-1,000 sq ft
The 18,000 BTU (1.5-ton) mini split delivers strong cooling for larger spaces. It's ideal for living rooms, large master...
- Large living rooms (600-1,000 sq ft)
- Open concept kitchens/living/dining
- Large master bedrooms with sitting areas
24,000 BTU
2 Ton1,000-1,250 sq ft
The 24,000 BTU (2-ton) mini split provides powerful cooling for very large rooms and open concept spaces. This size is p...
- Very large living rooms (1,000+ sq ft)
- Open concept spaces with high ceilings
- Great rooms combining multiple functions
28,000 BTU
2.33 Ton1,200-1,300 sq ft
The 28,000 BTU (2.33-ton) mini split is ideal for large commercial spaces or oversized residential areas. This size prov...
- Large commercial spaces
- Restaurants and cafes
- Retail stores
30,000 BTU
2.5 Ton1,250-1,350 sq ft
The 30,000 BTU (2.5-ton) mini split is ideal for large commercial spaces or oversized residential areas. This size provi...
- Large commercial spaces
- Restaurants and cafes
- Retail stores
36,000 BTU
3 Ton1,350-1,500 sq ft
The 36,000 BTU (3-ton) mini split is designed for large commercial applications. This size provides powerful cooling for...
- Large restaurants
- Warehouses and storage facilities
- Large retail spaces
48,000 BTU
4 Ton1,500-2,000 sq ft
The 48,000 BTU (4-ton) mini split is built for extra large commercial and industrial spaces. This size provides massive ...
- Very large warehouses
- Large restaurants and event spaces
- Manufacturing facilities
60,000 BTU
5 Ton2,000+ sq ft
The 60,000 BTU (5-ton) mini split represents the maximum capacity in a single ductless unit. This size is designed for h...
- Huge warehouses and distribution centers
- Large manufacturing facilities
- Event spaces and banquet halls
Understanding BTU Ratings
BTU capacity determines how much space a mini split can effectively cool:
- Too small: Runs constantly, never reaches set temperature, high energy costs
- Too large: Short cycles, poor dehumidification, temperature swings, wasted energy
- Just right: Efficient operation, proper dehumidification, comfortable temperatures, lower bills
In Texas, always account for extreme heat, humidity, and long cooling seasons when selecting BTU capacity.