Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing air conditioning system, there is one question you’re definitely going to consider: what size air conditioner do I need? Selecting the correct AC size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could experience poor humidity control and excessive energy expenses. Too small, and the unit might struggle to provide 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 can generate the perfect cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and energy savings. Here’s why you shouldn’t merely guess the ideal AC size:
- Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too quickly, reducing humidity removal and making your home clammy. A correctly sized air conditioner will manage indoor humidity levels more successfully.
- Even temperatures: A well-suited air conditioner disseminates cool air evenly and decreases uncomfortable temperature changes between cycles.
- Peak day performance: An undersized system will struggle to achieve the target temperature on hot summer afternoons, so you need a unit large enough to keep up with cooling demand.
- Proper cycling: Air conditioners start up and turn back off with adequate run time during each cycle. Units that are larger than you need cycle too quickly, causing increased wear and tear. Then again, 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 energy bills. However, a unit that is the recommended size will work efficiently 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. The majority of room AC units range from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs. Because central air conditioners are larger, they’re usually measured in tons. A one-ton system is comparable to 12,000 BTUs. Most central AC units 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 usually will need a 5,000 to 8,000 BTU air conditioner.
- A room 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 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 exact calculation, contact a cooling specialist at Service Experts.
Sizing a Central Air Conditioner
Figuring out the right size of a central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but accurate sizing requires a more in-depth look. HVAC Experts rely on load calculations explained in Manual J to determine a home’s specific cooling requirements. Here are the elements that professionals consider:
- Square footage: How large of a home you have substantially affects its AC requirements, with larger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
- Local climate: Where you live affects your cooling preferences as well. Areas with extremely hot, humid summers naturally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier areas.
- Interior heat gain: The heat released inside your home is made by people, lights, electronics and appliances. Additional internal heat raises your home’s cooling demands.
- Insulation levels: The level of insulation in your walls, attic and floors affects how much heat gets into your living space. Well-insulated homes retain cool air more efficiently, reducing the cooling load.
- Air infiltration rate: This describes how much outside air gets in through leaks or cracks in your home. Homes with a higher 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 determines its sun exposure, which in turn has an effect on your home's cooling load. A single-family dwelling with sprawling south-facing windows absorbs more heat and necessitates 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 cooling systems are created equal. It’s crucial to choose a reputable brand for durability and longevity.
- Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicates the total heat an air conditioner can take out per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings represent higher efficiency, minimizing your utility bills.
- Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system working correctly. Most air conditioner makers suggest yearly tune-ups to catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.
Get Expert Help Sizing Your Air Conditioner From Service Experts
Selecting the right air conditioner size can be overwhelming. The Experts at Service Experts are here to support you throughout the process. We offer custom cooling strategies to optimize home comfort, efficiency, and energy savings.
From estimating your exact cooling needs to helping you understand different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re with you at every step. For help choosing the perfect air conditioner for your home in the U.S, call (866) 963-7996 today to schedule your appointment with Service Experts.
