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 bound to ponder: what size air conditioner do I need? Buying the right AC size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could experience poor humidity control and exorbitant energy costs. Too small, and the unit might not be able to provide comfortable temperatures on extremely hot days. Appropriate air conditioner sizing is crucial 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 simply guess the correct air conditioning system size:

Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too rapidly, reducing humidity removal and leaving your home clammy. A right- sized air conditioner will manage indoor humidity levels more successfully.
Even temperatures: An efficiently functioning air conditioner disseminates cool air evenly and decreases unpleasant temperature changes 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 large enough to keep up with cooling demand.
Proper cycling: Air conditioners power on and off with plenty of run time during each cycle. Units that are too large cycle too quickly, resulting in additional 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 result in higher utility bills. However, a unit that is the proper size will function as designed and keep your utility bills in check.

Understanding Air Conditioner Size

Cooling capacity is expressed 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. The majority of room air conditioning units range from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs. Because central air conditioners are more powerful, they’re commonly 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

For window or portable air conditioners, the right size mostly 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 usually will need a 5,000 to 8,000 BTU air conditioner.
A room that is around 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 take a 12,000 to 18,000 BTU unit.

These general tips don’t consider additional factors like interior heat gain or how much sun streams in through the windows of the room. For a more precise calculation, contact a cooling specialist at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

Figuring out the correct size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but correct sizing involves 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 considerations that professionals consider:

Square footage: The size of your home substantially affects its cooling requirements, with larger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
Local climate: Where you live can affect your cooling preferences as well. Parts of the country with very hot, humid summers normally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier areas.
Interior heat gain: The heat produced 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 has effects on how much heat gets into your home. Well-insulated homes hold cool air more efficiently, decreasing the cooling load.
Air infiltration rate: This refers to how much outside air gets in through leaks or cracks in your home. Homes with a higher air infiltration requires more cooling to counter the warm, humid outdoor air that sneaks into the home.
Home orientation and window layout: The direction your home faces affects its sun exposure, which in turn impacts your home’s cooling load. A single-family residence with very large south-facing windows absorbs more heat and calls for 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 ACs are created equal. It’s crucial to choose a reputable brand for dependability and longevity.
Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicates how much heat an air conditioner can remove per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings indicate increased efficiency, lowering your utility bills.
Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system running effectively. Most AC manufacturers encourage yearly tune-ups to locate and repair 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 daunting. The Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to help. We offer custom cooling remedies to optimize home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From calculating your precise cooling specifications 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 Fort Lauderdale, call 954-736-4314 today to schedule your appointment with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.