What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

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.

The Importance of Sizing Your Air Conditioner Correctly

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:

• Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too fast, hindering humidity removal and making your home clammy. A right- sized air conditioner will regulate indoor humidity levels more effectively.
• Even temperatures: An efficiently functioning air conditioner circulates cool air evenly and minimizes unpleasant temperature fluctuations between cycles.
• Peak day performance: Systems that don’t have enough cooling capacity struggle to get your home to 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 sufficient run time per cycle. Units that are larger than you need cycle too quickly, leading to increased wear and tear. On the other hand, an undersized system runs constantly, which may cause overheating.
• Manageable utility bills: Cycling troubles caused by choosing the wrong size of air conditioner lead to higher utility bills. However, a unit that is the correct size will work efficiently 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 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.

Sizing a Room Air Conditioner

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:

• A room measuring 150 to 350 square feet might require a 5,000 to 8,000 BTU air conditioner.
• A room measuring 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 require a 12,000 to 18,000 BTU unit.

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.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

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:

• Square footage: How big your home is greatly affects its cooling requirements, with more sizeable homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
• Local climate: Where you live can affect your cooling preferences as well. States with extremely hot, humid summers normally 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. More internal heat raises your home’s cooling needs.
• Insulation levels: The amount of insulation in your walls, attic and floors influences how much heat gets into your living space. Well-insulated homes keep cool air more successfully, decreasing the cooling load.
• Air infiltration rate: This refers to how much outside air penetrates through leaks or cracks in your home. Homes with a high air infiltration requires more cooling to neutralize 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 dwelling with expansive 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 ACs are created equal. It’s essential to go with a trusted brand for dependability and longevity.
• Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicates the total heat an air conditioner can remove per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings indicate increased efficiency, reducing your utility bills.
• Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system working correctly. Most AC manufacturers recommend yearly tune-ups to locate and repair 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 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.