Whether you’re building a new home or replacing your existing heating and cooling system, there is one question you're definitely going to ask: what size air conditioner do I need? Buying the ideal air conditioning size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could face poor humidity control and significant energy bills. Too small, and the unit might fail to maintain comfortable temperatures on scorching hot days. Proper 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 AC produces the perfect cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and energy savings. Here’s why you shouldn’t merely guess the ideal air conditioner size:
- Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too rapidly, hindering humidity removal and leaving your home clammy. A properly sized air conditioner will regulate indoor humidity levels more effectively.
- Even temperatures: A properly sized air conditioner circulates cool air evenly and minimizes uncomfortable temperature changes between cycles.
- Peak day performance: Systems that don't have enough cooling capacity struggle to achieve 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 adequate run time per cycle. Units that are too large cycle too quickly, resulting in40 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 choosing the wrong size of air conditioner result in higher utility bills. However, a unit that is the recommended size will operate 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 conveys 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 comparable to 12,000 BTUs. Many central AC units range from 1 to 5 tons.
Sizing a Room Air Conditioner
For window or portable air conditioners, sizing primarily 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 will probably 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 big room or open area of 550 to 1,000 square feet may take a 12,000 to 18,000 BTU unit.
These general guidelines don’t take into account 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, contact a cooling specialist at Pardee Service Experts.
Sizing a Central Air Conditioner
Identifying 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 particular cooling requirements. Here are the considerations that come into play:
- Square footage: How large of a home you have substantially affects its cooling requirements, with bigger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
- Local climate: Where you live can affect your cooling requirements as well. Parts of the country with extremely hot, humid summers generally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier areas.
- Interior heat gain: The heat created inside your home can be generated by people, lights, electronics and appliances. Higher internal heat increases your home’s cooling demands.
- Insulation levels: The amount of insulation in your walls, attic and floors influences how much heat gets into your home. Well-insulated homes retain cool air more effectively, decreasing the cooling load.
- Air infiltration rate: This refers to how much outside air gets in through leaks or cracks in the building envelope. Homes with a higher air infiltration requires more cooling to counter the warm, humid outdoor air that seeps 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 home with very large south-facing windows absorbs more heat and calls for 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 essential121 to choose a reputable brand for reliability 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 indicate higher efficiency, reducing your utility bills.
- Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system operating efficiently. Most air conditioning manufacturers encourage yearly tune-ups to locate and repair small problems before they turn into costly repairs.
Get Expert Help Sizing Your Air Conditioner from Pardee Service Experts
Selecting139 a suitable air conditioner size can be overwhelming. The Experts at Pardee Service Experts are here to help. We can provide you with custom cooling solutions to enhance home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.
From establishing your precise cooling specifications to helping you browse 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 Charleston, call 843-410-6103 today to schedule your appointment with Pardee Service Experts.