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 ask: what size air conditioner do I need? Selecting the correct air conditioner size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could face poor humidity control and significant energy expenses. Too small, and the unit might struggle to reach comfortable temperatures on extremely hot days. Proper 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 cost savings. Here’s why you shouldn’t just guess the ideal air conditioning system size:

Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too rapidly, reducing humidity removal and rendering your home clammy. A properly sized air conditioner will control indoor humidity levels more efficiently.
Even temperatures: A properly sized air conditioner distributes cool air evenly and reduces unpleasant temperature fluctuations 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 powerful enough to keep up with cooling demand.
Proper cycling: Air conditioners turn on and off with plenty of run time during each cycle. Units that are too large cycle too quickly, causing unnecessary wear and tear. Conversely, an undersized system runs continually, which may cause it to get too hot.
Manageable utility bills: Cycling troubles caused by installing the wrong size of air conditioner result in higher energy bills. However, a unit that is the recommended size will work as designed 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 per hour. Most room air conditioners range from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs. Because central air conditioners are bigger, they’re typically measured in tons. A one-ton system is comparable to 12,000 BTUs. Most central air conditioning models range from 1 to 5 tons.

Sizing a Room Air Conditioner

For 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:

A room measuring 150 to 350 square feet usually will require a 5,000 to 8,000 BTU air conditioner.
A room between 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 necessitate a 12,000 to 18,000 BTU unit.

These general recommendations don’t consider additional 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 exact calculation, reach out to an HVAC professional from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

Identifying the perfect size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but specific sizing involves a more in-depth look. HVAC Experts rely on load calculations detailed in Manual J to determine a home’s unique cooling requirements. Here are the factors that technicians will examine:

Square footage: How large of a home you have greatly affects its cooling requirements, with bigger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
Local climate: Where you live can affect your cooling needs as well. Parts of the country with sweltering hot, humid summers naturally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier communities.
Interior heat gain: The heat produced inside your home can be generated by people, lights, electronics and appliances. Increased internal heat raises your home’s cooling requirements.
Insulation levels: The amount of insulation in your walls, attic and floors affects how much heat gets into your living space. Well-insulated homes hold cool air more efficiently, decreasing the cooling load.
Air infiltration rate: This relates to 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 counteract the warm, humid outdoor air that makes its way into the home.
Home orientation and window layout: The direction your home faces influences its sun exposure, which in turn impacts your home’s cooling load. A single-family dwelling with very large 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 cooling systems are created equal. It’s essential to go with a reputable brand for reliability and longevity.
Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) signifies the amount of heat an air conditioner can eliminate per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings signify increased efficiency, minimizing your utility bills.
Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system operating correctly. Most AC makers encourage yearly tune-ups to find and fix small problems before they turn into high-priced repairs.

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

Choosing a suitable air conditioner size can be overwhelming. The Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to assist with all your cooling and heating needs. We can provide you with custom cooling remedies to enhance home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From estimating your unique cooling requirements to helping you navigate 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.