Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing heating and cooling system, there is one question you’re guaranteed to ponder: what size air conditioner do I need? Selecting the right AC size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could encounter poor humidity control and excessive energy expenses. Too small, and the unit might struggle to reach comfortable temperatures on scorching hot days. Appropriate air conditioner sizing is required to enjoy an efficient, cost-effective and comfortable cooling experience.
Ensuring your air conditioning can generate the proper cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and keeping your energy bills low. Here’s why you shouldn’t merely guess the ideal air conditioning system 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 every hour. Most room air conditioning units range from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs. Because central air conditioners are bigger, they’re usually measured in tons. A one-ton system is equivalent to 12,000 BTUs. Most central air conditioning models range from 1 to 5 tons.
When examining window or portable air conditioners, sizing mainly depends on the room’s square footage. Measure the space—length x width—and match it to the appropriate BTUs:
These general recommendations don’t consider additional factors like interior heat gain or how much sun streams in through the windows of the room. For a more exact calculation, reach out to an HVAC professional from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
Choosing the right size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but specific sizing requires a more in-depth look. HVAC professionals rely on load calculations outlined in Manual J to determine a home’s unique cooling requirements. Here are the considerations that technicians will examine:
Besides knowing what size air conditioner you need, consider these additional factors when installing a new air conditioner:
Finding the best air conditioner size can be overwhelming. The Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to help. We offer custom cooling remedies to optimize home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.
From establishing your exact cooling specifications to helping you navigate different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re there for 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.
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