What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Whether you’re building a new home or replacing your existing HVAC system, there is one question you’re guaranteed to ask: what size air conditioner do I need? Buying the right AC size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could encounter poor humidity control and excessive energy bills. Too small, and the unit might not be able to maintain 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 conditioning provides the perfect cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and cost savings. Here’s why you shouldn’t just guess the appropriate air conditioning system size:

• Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too fast, preventing humidity removal and leaving your home clammy. A properly sized air conditioner will regulate indoor humidity levels more efficiently.
• Even temperatures: A well-suited air conditioner disseminates cool air evenly and reduces uncomfortable temperature changes between cycles.
• Peak day performance: An undersized system will 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 turn on and off with plenty of run time during each cycle. Units that are too big for the space cycle too quickly, leading to unnecessary wear and tear. Conversely, an undersized system runs continuously, which may cause it to get too hot.
• Manageable utility bills: Cycling troubles caused by installing the wrong size of air conditioner cause higher energy 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 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 per hour. Most room air conditioning units range from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs. Because central air conditioners are bigger, they’re typically measured in tons. A one-ton system is proportionate to 12,000 BTUs. Generally, central AC units range from 1 to 5 tons.

Sizing a Room Air Conditioner

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

• A room measuring 150 to 350 square feet will probably need a 5,000 to 8,000 BTU air conditioner.
• A room measuring 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 call for a 12,000 to 18,000 BTU unit.

These general tips don’t take into account 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

Identifying the right size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but correct sizing requires a more in-depth look. HVAC specialists rely on load calculations explained in Manual J to determine a home’s particular cooling requirements. Here are the factors that technicians will examine:

• Square footage: The size of your home substantially affects its cooling requirements, with larger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
• Local climate: Where you live can affect your cooling requirements as well. Parts of the country with sweltering hot, humid summers generally 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 increases your home’s cooling demands.
• Insulation levels: The quantity of insulation in your walls, attic and floors affects how much heat gets into your home. Well-insulated homes hold cool air more successfully, decreasing the cooling load.
• Air infiltration rate: This relates to how much outside air enters through leaks or cracks in the building envelope. Homes with a significant air infiltration requires more cooling to counteract the warm, humid outdoor air that seeps into the home.
• Home orientation and window layout: The direction your home faces influences its sun exposure, which in turn impacts your home’s cooling load. A single-family dwelling 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 air conditioning systems are created equal. It’s vital to choose a trustworthy brand for durability and longevity.
• Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicates the amount of heat an air conditioner can eliminate per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings indicate higher efficiency, reducing your utility bills.
• Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system working effectively. Most air conditioning producers 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

Finding the best air conditioner size can be overwhelming. The Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to help. We provide custom cooling remedies to enhance home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From estimating your precise cooling requirements 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.