Whether you’re building a new home or updating your existing heating and cooling system, there is one question you’re guaranteed to ask: 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 bills. Too small, and the unit might fail to reach comfortable temperatures on extremely hot days. Appropriate air conditioner sizing is required to enjoy an efficient, cost-effective and comfortable cooling experience.
Ensuring your AC provides the right cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and keeping your energy bills low. Here’s why you shouldn’t just guess the ideal AC 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 in one hour. Most room air conditioning 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 proportionate to 12,000 BTUs. Many central AC systems range from 1 to 5 tons.
When considering window or portable air conditioners, the right size primarily depends on the room’s square footage. Measure the room—length x width—and match it to the appropriate BTUs:
These general recommendations don’t take into account factors like interior heat gain or sun exposure. For a more accurate calculation, seek expert advice from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
Identifying the correct size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but accurate sizing demands 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 come into play:
Besides knowing what size air conditioner you need, consider these additional factors when installing a new air conditioner:
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 strategies to optimize home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.
From calculating your exact cooling needs to helping you browse different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re at your side 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.
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