What does "BTU" stand for in heating and cooling terminology?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It is a standard unit of measurement used in the heating and cooling industry to quantify the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. This measurement is critical in evaluating the energy content of fuels and the performance of HVAC systems. Understanding BTUs allows HVAC professionals to design systems that appropriately match the heating and cooling loads of a space. This ensures efficiency and comfort, as a system that is too large or too small can lead to wasted energy and inadequate temperature regulation.