What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Whether you’re building a new home or replacing your existing air conditioning system, there is one question you’re definitely going to ponder: what size air conditioner do I need? Selecting the correct air conditioning size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could experience poor humidity control and significant energy expenses. Too small, and the unit might not be able to maintain comfortable temperatures on scorching hot days. Proper air conditioner sizing is crucial to enjoy an efficient, cost-effective and comfortable cooling experience.

The Importance of Sizing Your Air Conditioner Correctly

Ensuring your air conditioning produces the right cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and energy savings. Here’s why you shouldn’t merely guess the appropriate AC size:

• Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too quickly, preventing humidity removal and leaving your home clammy. A properly sized air conditioner will regulate indoor humidity levels more successfully.
• Even temperatures: A properly sized air conditioner circulates cool air evenly and decreases irritating temperature variations between cycles.
• Peak day performance: Systems that don’t have enough cooling capacity struggle to reach the target temperature on hot summer afternoons, so you need a unit big enough to keep up with cooling demand.
• Proper cycling: Air conditioners start up and turn back off with adequate run time during each cycle. Units that are too large cycle too quickly, resulting in increased wear and tear. Conversely, an undersized system runs continuously, which may cause it to get too hot.
• Manageable utility bills: Cycling problems caused by choosing the wrong size of air conditioner result in higher utility bills. However, a unit that is the recommended size will function as designed and keep your utility bills in check.

Understanding Air Conditioner Size

Cooling capacity is calculated in British thermal units (BTUs). A BTU is a standard unit of energy that indicates the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove every hour. The majority of room AC units range from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs. Because central air conditioners are bigger, they’re usually measured in tons. A one-ton system is comparable to 12,000 BTUs. Most central AC systems range from 1 to 5 tons.

Sizing a Room Air Conditioner

For window or portable air conditioners, the right size primarily depends on the room’s square footage. Measure the room—length x width—and match it to the appropriate BTUs:

• A room measuring 150 to 350 square feet might require a 5,000 to 8,000 BTU air conditioner.
• A room between 350 and 550 square feet could need an 8,000 to 12,000 BTU unit.
• A large room or open area of 550 to 1,000 square feet may necessitate a 12,000 to 18,000 BTU unit.

These general guidelines don’t account for factors like interior heat gain or how much sun streams in through the windows of the room. For a more exact calculation, seek expert advice from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

Figuring out the right size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but specific sizing demands a more in-depth look. HVAC Experts rely on load calculations explained in Manual J to determine a home’s unique cooling requirements. Here are the considerations that professionals consider:

• Square footage: How big your home is greatly affects its AC requirements, with bigger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
• Local climate: Where you live can affect your cooling requirements as well. Areas with very hot, humid summers generally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier communities.
• Interior heat gain: The heat produced inside your home can be generated by people, lights, electronics and appliances. Additional internal heat elevates your home’s cooling requirements.
• Insulation levels: The amount of insulation in your walls, attic and floors has effects on how much heat gets into your living space. Well-insulated homes retain cool air more effectively, which lowers the cooling load.
• Air infiltration rate: This describes how much outside air gets in through leaks or cracks in the building envelope. Homes with a significant air infiltration requires more cooling to combat the warm, humid outdoor air that makes its way through the walls and into your home.
• Home orientation and window layout: The direction your home faces affects its sun exposure, which in turn can change the required cooling load. A single-family home with expansive south-facing windows absorbs more heat and necessitates a more sizeable air conditioner than a north-facing condo.

Other Factors to Consider When Buying an AC

Besides knowing what size air conditioner you need, consider these additional factors when installing a new air conditioner:

• Brand: Not all cooling systems are created equal. It’s crucial to select a trusted brand for reliability and longevity.
• Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) signifies the amount of heat an air conditioner can take out per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings signify higher efficiency, lowering your utility bills.
• Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system working efficiently. Most air conditioner makers encourage yearly tune-ups to find and fix small problems before they turn into costly repairs.

Get Expert Help Sizing Your Air Conditioner From Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Finding the right air conditioner size can be stressful. The Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to support you throughout the process. We offer custom cooling remedies to optimize home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From establishing your exact cooling requirements to helping you understand different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re at your side at every step. For help choosing the perfect air conditioner for your home in the U.S., call 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.