What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing air conditioning system, there is one question you’re definitely going to consider: what size air conditioner do I need? Buying the right air conditioner size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could experience poor humidity control and significant energy costs. Too small, and the unit might fail to reach comfortable temperatures on scorching hot days. Proper air conditioner sizing is required to enjoy an efficient, cost-effective and comfortable cooling experience.

The Importance of Sizing Your Air Conditioner Correctly

Ensuring your air conditioning can generate the right cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and keeping your energy bills low. Here’s why you shouldn’t merely guess the correct AC size:

• Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too rapidly, reducing humidity removal and making your home clammy. A properly sized air conditioner will control indoor humidity levels more effectively.
• Even temperatures: A properly sized air conditioner circulates cool air evenly and reduces uncomfortable temperature variations between cycles.
• Peak day performance: Systems that don’t have enough cooling capacity struggle to achieve the target temperature on hot summer afternoons, so you need a unit big enough to keep up with cooling demand.
• Proper cycling: Air conditioners power on and off with plenty of run time during each cycle. Units that are larger than you need cycle too quickly, causing unnecessary wear and tear. On the other hand, an undersized system runs continually, which may cause the unit to become overheated.
• Manageable utility bills: Cycling issues caused by installing the wrong size of air conditioner lead to higher electricity bills. However, a unit that is the correct size will function efficiently and keep your utility bills in check.

Understanding Air Conditioner Size

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

Sizing a Room Air Conditioner

When considering window or portable air conditioners, which size you need mainly depends on the room’s square footage. Measure the area—length x width—and match it to the appropriate BTUs:

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

These general recommendations don’t account for factors like interior heat gain or whether or not you have any shade trees around your home to block out the sun. For a more precise calculation, seek expert advice from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

Determining the perfect size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but correct sizing requires a more in-depth look. HVAC professionals rely on load calculations outlined in Manual J to determine a home’s specific cooling requirements. Here are the considerations that come into play:

• Square footage: The size of your home greatly affects its AC requirements, with larger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
• Local climate: Where you live can affect your cooling requirements as well. States with sweltering hot, humid summers normally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier areas.
• Interior heat gain: The heat produced inside your home can be generated by people, lights, electronics and appliances. Additional internal heat raises your home’s cooling demands.
• Insulation levels: The level of insulation in your walls, attic and floors impacts how much heat gets inside. Well-insulated homes retain cool air more effectively, decreasing the cooling load.
• Air infiltration rate: This relates to how much outside air penetrates through leaks or cracks in your home. Homes with a higher air infiltration requires more cooling to counter the warm, humid outdoor air that sneaks through the walls and into your home.
• Home orientation and window layout: The direction your home faces determines its sun exposure, which in turn can change the required cooling load. A single-family residence with sprawling south-facing windows absorbs more heat and necessitates a bigger 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 air conditioning systems are created equal. It’s essential to buy a reputable brand for reliability and longevity.
• Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) signifies how much heat an air conditioner can remove per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings indicate higher efficiency, lowering your utility bills.
• Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system running correctly. Most air conditioner makers suggest yearly tune-ups to locate and repair small problems before they turn into high-priced repairs.

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

Selecting a suitable air conditioner size can be daunting. The Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to help. We provide custom cooling strategies to enhance home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From establishing your exact cooling requirements to helping you navigate different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re with you 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.