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 guaranteed to consider: what size air conditioner do I need? Choosing the right air conditioning size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could experience poor humidity control and exorbitant energy bills. Too small, and the unit might not be able to provide comfortable temperatures on extremely hot days. Appropriate 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 conditioner can generate the perfect cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and cost savings. Here’s why you shouldn’t just guess the appropriate air conditioner size:

• Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too fast, preventing humidity removal and rendering your home clammy. A properly sized air conditioner will manage indoor humidity levels more efficiently.
• Even temperatures: An efficiently functioning air conditioner distributes cool air evenly and reduces uncomfortable temperature fluctuations between cycles.
• Peak day performance: A system that is too small can struggle to get your home to the target temperature on hot summer afternoons, so you need a unit powerful enough to keep up with cooling demand.
• Proper cycling: Air conditioners turn on and off with adequate run time for each cycle. Units that are too big for the space cycle too quickly, leading to additional wear and tear. Conversely, an undersized system runs constantly, which may cause it to get too hot.
• Manageable utility bills: Cycling issues caused by selecting the wrong size of air conditioner lead to higher electricity bills. However, a unit that is the recommended size will function effectively and keep your utility bills in check.

Understanding Air Conditioner Size

Cooling capacity is measured 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 more powerful, they’re usually measured in tons. A one-ton system is equivalent to 12,000 BTUs. Most central AC units range from 1 to 5 tons.

Sizing a Room Air Conditioner

When examining window or portable air conditioners, the right size mainly 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 should need an 8,000 to 12,000 BTU unit.
• A large room or open area of 550 to 1,000 square feet may take a 12,000 to 18,000 BTU unit.

These general recommendations don’t consider additional 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 perfect size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but specific sizing involves a more in-depth look. HVAC Experts rely on load calculations detailed in Manual J to determine a home’s specific cooling requirements. Here are the factors that professionals consider:

• Square footage: How large of a home you have substantially affects its cooling requirements, with larger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
• Local climate: Where you live can affect your cooling needs 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 come from people, lights, electronics and appliances. Higher internal heat elevates your home’s cooling requirements.
• Insulation levels: The amount of insulation in your walls, attic and floors influences how much heat gets into your home. Well-insulated homes hold cool air more effectively, reducing the cooling load.
• Air infiltration rate: This refers to how much outside air penetrates through leaks or cracks in the exterior of your home. Homes with a high air infiltration requires more cooling to counteract the warm, humid outdoor air that sneaks inside.
• 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 dwelling with sprawling south-facing windows absorbs more heat and requires 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 vital to select a reputable brand for durability and longevity.
• Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) signifies how much 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 AC producers 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

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

From establishing your precise cooling specifications to helping you navigate different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re at your side 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.