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 ponder: what size air conditioner do I need? Choosing the correct AC size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could encounter poor humidity control and excessive energy expenses. Too small, and the unit might not be able to provide comfortable temperatures on extremely hot days. Correct 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 conditioner provides 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, preventing humidity removal and rendering your home clammy. A properly sized air conditioner will manage indoor humidity levels more successfully.
• Even temperatures: An efficiently functioning air conditioner circulates cool air evenly and decreases irritating temperature variations between cycles.
• Peak day performance: A system that is too small can struggle to reach the target temperature on hot summer afternoons, so you need a unit large enough to keep up with cooling demand.
• Proper cycling: Air conditioners start up and turn back off with plenty of run time during each cycle. Units that are larger than you need cycle too quickly, leading to unnecessary wear and tear. Then again, an undersized system runs continually, which may cause overheating.
• Manageable utility bills: Cycling problems caused by choosing the wrong size of air conditioner cause higher utility bills. However, a unit that is the proper size will function as designed 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 conveys 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 more powerful, they’re usually measured in tons. A one-ton system is equivalent to 12,000 BTUs. Generally, central air conditioning models range from 1 to 5 tons.

Sizing a Room Air Conditioner

For window or portable air conditioners, which size you need 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 usually will need 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 necessitate a 12,000 to 18,000 BTU unit.

These general recommendations don’t account for factors like interior heat gain or how much sun streams in through the windows of the room. 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 accurate sizing demands a more in-depth look. HVAC specialists rely on load calculations outlined in Manual J to determine a home’s unique cooling requirements. Here are the elements that technicians will examine:

• Square footage: How big your home is significantly affects its cooling requirements, with more sizeable homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
• Local climate: Where you live affects your cooling needs as well. Parts of the country with sweltering hot, humid summers naturally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier regions.
• Interior heat gain: The heat released 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 influences how much heat gets into your home. Well-insulated homes retain cool air more successfully, reducing the cooling load.
• Air infiltration rate: This refers 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 combat the warm, humid outdoor air that sneaks through the walls and into your home.
• Home orientation and window layout: The direction your home faces influences 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 select a trustworthy brand for durability and longevity.
• Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) shows the total heat an air conditioner can take out per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings indicate higher efficiency, decreasing your utility bills.
• Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system working efficiently. Most AC manufacturers encourage yearly tune-ups to catch 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 overwhelming. The Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to support you throughout the process. We provide custom cooling solutions to enhance home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From estimating your unique cooling needs to helping you understand different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re with you at every step. For help picking out 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.