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 ideal air conditioner size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could encounter poor humidity control and exorbitant energy expenses. Too small, and the unit might struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures on sweltering hot days. Appropriate 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 AC provides 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 AC size:

Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too fast, reducing humidity removal and rendering your home clammy. A properly sized air conditioner will manage indoor humidity levels more efficiently.
Even temperatures: A well-suited air conditioner distributes cool air evenly and minimizes 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 big enough to keep up with cooling demand.
Proper cycling: Air conditioners turn on and off with sufficient run time per cycle. Units that are too big for the space cycle too quickly, leading to40 additional wear and tear. Conversely, an undersized system runs continually, which may cause overheating.
Manageable utility bills: Cycling problems caused by installing the wrong size of air conditioner lead to higher energy 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 expressed in British thermal units (BTUs). A BTU is a standard unit of energy that shows the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove every hour. Most room air conditioners range from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs. Because central air conditioners are larger, they’re typically 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

For window or portable air conditioners, the right size mostly 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 require 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 big 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 take into account factors like interior heat gain or sun exposure. For a more precise calculation, contact a cooling specialist at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

Choosing the perfect size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but specific sizing requires a more in-depth look. HVAC Experts rely on load calculations outlined in Manual J to determine a home’s specific cooling requirements. Here are the elements 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 affects your cooling needs as well. States with extremely hot, humid summers generally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier communities.
Interior heat gain: The heat created inside your home can be generated by people, lights, electronics and appliances. Increased internal heat elevates your home’s cooling demands.
Insulation levels: The amount of insulation in your walls, attic and floors affects how much heat gets into your home. Well-insulated homes keep cool air more effectively, reducing the cooling load.
Air infiltration rate: This refers to how much outside air enters through leaks or cracks in your home. Homes with a high air infiltration requires more cooling to neutralize the warm, humid outdoor air that sneaks through the walls and into your home.
Home orientation and window layout: The direction your home faces determines 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 ACs are created equal. It’s crucial121 to buy a trustworthy brand for reliability and longevity.
Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) signifies the total heat an air conditioner can remove per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings represent higher efficiency, minimizing your utility bills.
Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system operating efficiently. Most AC producers encourage yearly tune-ups to catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.

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

Finding139 a suitable air conditioner size can be daunting. The Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to help. We provide custom cooling remedies to boost home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From establishing your exact cooling needs to helping you navigate different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re at your side at every step. For help picking out the perfect air conditioner for your home in Roanoke, call 540-302-8645 today to schedule your appointment with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.