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 guaranteed to consider: what size air conditioner do I need? Selecting the ideal air conditioning size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could encounter poor humidity control and significant energy bills. Too small, and the unit might fail to maintain comfortable temperatures on sweltering hot days. Correct 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 AC can generate the right cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and cost savings. Here’s why you shouldn’t merely guess the ideal air conditioner size:

• Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too quickly, hindering humidity removal and rendering your home clammy. A properly sized air conditioner will control indoor humidity levels more effectively.
• Even temperatures: A well-suited air conditioner distributes cool air evenly and decreases unpleasant 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. Then again, an undersized system runs continually, which may cause overheating.
• Manageable utility bills: Cycling issues caused by selecting the wrong size of air conditioner lead to higher utility bills. However, a unit that is the correct size will operate 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. A large percentage of room air conditioners 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 equivalent to 12,000 BTUs. Generally, central AC systems range from 1 to 5 tons.

Sizing a Room Air Conditioner

When examining window or portable air conditioners, sizing 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 usually will need to have 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 big room or open area of 550 to 1,000 square feet may necessitate a 12,000 to 18,000 BTU unit.

These general tips don’t consider additional 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 accurate calculation, reach out to an HVAC professional from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

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

• 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 affects your cooling requirements as well. Parts of the country with very hot, humid summers normally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier regions.
• Interior heat gain: The heat produced inside your home can be generated by people, lights, electronics and appliances. More internal heat raises your home’s cooling needs.
• Insulation levels: The quantity of insulation in your walls, attic and floors has effects on how much heat gets into your home. Well-insulated homes keep cool air more successfully, reducing the cooling load.
• Air infiltration rate: This relates to how much outside air enters through leaks or cracks in the exterior of your home. Homes with a higher air infiltration requires more cooling to counter the warm, humid outdoor air that sneaks inside.
• 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 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 cooling systems are created equal. It’s essential to select a reputable brand for dependability and longevity.
• Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicates the amount of heat an air conditioner can take out per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings indicate increased efficiency, lowering your utility bills.
• Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system working effectively. Most air conditioning manufacturers recommend yearly tune-ups to catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.

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

Selecting a suitable air conditioner size can be overwhelming. The Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to support you throughout the process. We provide custom cooling strategies to boost home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From calculating your precise cooling specifications to helping you navigate different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re with you at every step. For help selecting 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.