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 ask: what size air conditioner do I need? Selecting the correct AC size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could face poor humidity control and exorbitant energy bills. Too small, and the unit might fail to maintain 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 conditioner provides the perfect cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and keeping your energy bills low. Here’s why you shouldn’t merely guess the ideal air conditioner size:

Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too quickly, reducing humidity removal and making your home clammy. A correctly sized air conditioner will control indoor humidity levels more effectively.
Even temperatures: A well-suited air conditioner disseminates cool air evenly and reduces uncomfortable 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 big enough to keep up with cooling demand.
Proper cycling: Air conditioners turn on and off with plenty of run time for each cycle. Units that are too large cycle too quickly, leading to40 unnecessary wear and tear. Then again, an undersized system runs continuously, which may cause it to get too hot.
Manageable utility bills: Cycling troubles caused by selecting the wrong size of air conditioner cause higher utility bills. However, a unit that is the correct 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 per 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 comparable to 12,000 BTUs. Most central AC units 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 usually will require a 5,000 to 8,000 BTU air conditioner.
A room that is around 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 call for 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, reach out to an HVAC professional from Strand Brothers Service Experts.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

Identifying the correct size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but specific sizing requires a more in-depth look. HVAC specialists rely on load calculations explained in Manual J to determine a home’s particular cooling requirements. Here are the elements that come into play:

Square footage: How big your home is substantially affects its cooling requirements, with larger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
Local climate: Where you live can affect your cooling requirements as well. Parts of the country with very hot, humid summers naturally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier areas.
Interior heat gain: The heat produced inside your home can be generated by people, lights, electronics and appliances. Additional internal heat increases your home’s cooling needs.
Insulation levels: The quantity of insulation in your walls, attic and floors has effects on how much heat gets inside. Well-insulated homes hold cool air more efficiently, decreasing the cooling load.
Air infiltration rate: This relates to how much outside air gets in through leaks or cracks in the exterior of your home. Homes with a higher air infiltration requires more cooling to neutralize the warm, humid outdoor air that seeps inside.
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 sprawling south-facing windows absorbs more heat and necessitates 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 ACs are created equal. It’s crucial121 to buy a reputable brand for durability and longevity.
Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicates the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings signify increased efficiency, minimizing your utility bills.
Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system running correctly. Most air conditioner producers suggest yearly tune-ups to find and fix small problems before they turn into high-priced repairs.

Get Expert Help Sizing Your Air Conditioner from Strand Brothers Service Experts

Finding139 a suitable air conditioner size can be overwhelming. The Experts at Strand Brothers Service Experts are here to assist with all your cooling and heating needs. We can provide you with custom cooling solutions to boost home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From calculating your unique cooling specifications to helping you navigate different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re there for you at every step. For help selecting the perfect air conditioner for your home in Austin, call 512-592-3072 today to schedule your appointment with Strand Brothers Service Experts.