What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Whether you’re building a new home or updating your existing air conditioning system, there is one question you’re guaranteed to consider: what size air conditioner do I need? Selecting the right air conditioning size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could experience poor humidity control and significant energy costs. Too small, and the unit might fail to provide 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 can generate the proper cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and energy savings. Here’s why you shouldn’t simply guess the ideal air conditioning system size:

• Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too fast, reducing humidity removal and leaving your home clammy. A correctly sized air conditioner will regulate indoor humidity levels more effectively.
• Even temperatures: An efficiently functioning air conditioner distributes cool air evenly and decreases irritating temperature variations between cycles.
• Peak day performance: Systems that don’t have enough cooling capacity 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 power on and off with sufficient run time during each cycle. Units that are too large cycle too quickly, resulting in increased wear and tear. On the other hand, an undersized system runs continually, which may cause the unit to become overheated.
• Manageable utility bills: Cycling issues caused by selecting the wrong size of air conditioner lead to higher utility bills. However, a unit that is the correct size will work as designed 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 shows the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove per hour. The majority of room air conditioners range from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs. Because central air conditioners are larger, they’re commonly measured in tons. A one-ton system is equivalent to 12,000 BTUs. Many central AC systems range from 1 to 5 tons.

Sizing a Room Air Conditioner

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

• A room measuring 150 to 350 square feet will probably need to have 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 spacious room or open area of 550 to 1,000 square feet may take a 12,000 to 18,000 BTU unit.

These general tips don’t consider additional factors like interior heat gain or sun exposure. For a more precise calculation, contact a cooling specialist at 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 correct sizing requires a more in-depth look. HVAC professionals rely on load calculations outlined in Manual J to determine a home’s particular cooling requirements. Here are the considerations that professionals consider:

• Square footage: The size of your home greatly affects its AC requirements, with bigger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
• Local climate: Where you live impacts your cooling needs as well. Areas with sweltering hot, humid summers naturally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier areas.
• Interior heat gain: The heat created inside your home can come from people, lights, electronics and appliances. Additional internal heat increases 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 keep cool air more effectively, reducing the cooling load.
• Air infiltration rate: This describes how much outside air penetrates through leaks or cracks in the exterior of your home. Homes with a significant air infiltration requires more cooling to combat 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 has an effect on your home’s cooling load. A single-family home with sprawling south-facing windows absorbs more heat and requires a larger 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 conditioners are created equal. It’s crucial to select a trustworthy brand for reliability and longevity.
• Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) shows how much heat an air conditioner can take out per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings represent increased efficiency, lowering your utility bills.
• Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system running correctly. Most AC producers encourage yearly tune-ups to catch small problems before they turn into costly repairs.

Get Expert Help Sizing Your Air Conditioner From Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Choosing a suitable air conditioner size can be stressful. The Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to support you throughout the process. We can provide you with custom cooling strategies to optimize home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From calculating your exact cooling specifications to helping you browse 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.