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 definitely going to ponder: what size air conditioner do I need? Buying the correct air conditioner size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could face poor humidity control and exorbitant energy costs. Too small, and the unit might not be able to maintain comfortable temperatures on extremely hot days. Proper air conditioner sizing is essential to enjoy an efficient, cost-effective and comfortable cooling experience.

The Importance of Sizing Your Air Conditioner Correctly

Ensuring your air conditioning provides the proper cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and energy savings. Here’s why you shouldn’t merely guess the ideal air conditioner size:

Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too quickly, hindering humidity removal and making your home clammy. A properly sized air conditioner will regulate indoor humidity levels more successfully.
Even temperatures: A well-suited air conditioner disseminates cool air evenly and decreases irritating temperature changes between cycles.
Peak day performance: A system that is too small can struggle to get your home to the target temperature on hot summer afternoons, so you need a unit powerful enough to keep up with cooling demand.
Proper cycling: Air conditioners start up and turn back off with sufficient run time for each cycle. Units that are too large cycle too quickly, resulting in increased wear and tear. Then again, an undersized system runs constantly, which may cause overheating.
Manageable utility bills: Cycling issues caused by installing the wrong size of air conditioner cause higher utility bills. However, a unit that is the proper 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 conveys the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove every hour. Most room AC units 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 proportionate to 12,000 BTUs. Most central air conditioning models 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 room—length x width—and match it to the appropriate BTUs:

A room measuring 150 to 350 square feet might 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 large room or open area of 550 to 1,000 square feet may necessitate a 12,000 to 18,000 BTU unit.

These general recommendations don’t take into account factors like interior heat gain or whether or not you have any shade trees around your home to block out the sun. For a more accurate calculation, seek expert advice from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

Determining the right size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but accurate sizing demands 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: How big your home is substantially affects its air conditioning requirements, with larger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
Local climate: Where you live affects your cooling requirements as well. Areas with very hot, humid summers normally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier regions.
Interior heat gain: The heat produced inside your home is made by people, lights, electronics and appliances. Additional internal heat raises your home’s cooling requirements.
Insulation levels: The quantity of insulation in your walls, attic and floors affects how much heat gets inside. Well-insulated homes hold cool air more efficiently, reducing the cooling load.
Air infiltration rate: This describes how much outside air enters through leaks or cracks in your home. Homes with a high air infiltration requires more cooling to counter the warm, humid outdoor air that seeps into the home.
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 residence with very large south-facing windows absorbs more heat and necessitates a bigger 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 buy a trusted brand for reliability 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 signify increased efficiency, reducing your utility bills.
Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently. Most air conditioner producers encourage yearly tune-ups to find and fix small problems before they turn into pricey repairs.

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

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

From estimating your precise cooling requirements to helping you browse different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re there for you at every step. For help choosing the perfect air conditioner for your home in Fort Lauderdale, call 954-736-4314 today to schedule your appointment with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.