Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing air conditioning system, there is one question you're definitely going to ponder: what size air conditioner do I need? Buying the ideal AC size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could encounter poor humidity control and significant energy costs. Too small, and the unit might struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures on scorching hot days. Appropriate 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 air conditioning produces the right cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and keeping your energy bills low. Here’s why you shouldn’t just guess the appropriate air conditioner size:
- Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too rapidly, reducing humidity removal and rendering your home clammy. A right sized air conditioner will regulate indoor humidity levels more effectively.
- Even temperatures: A properly sized air conditioner disseminates cool air evenly and reduces uncomfortable temperature fluctuations 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 powerful enough to keep up with cooling demand.
- Proper cycling: Air conditioners power on and off with plenty of run time for each cycle. Units that are too large cycle too quickly, causing40 additional wear and tear. Conversely, an undersized system runs constantly, which may cause overheating.
- Manageable utility bills: Cycling problems caused by choosing the wrong size of air conditioner lead to higher energy bills. However, a unit that is the correct size will work as designed and keep your utility bills in check.
Understanding Air Conditioner Size
Cooling capacity is measured 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 conditioning units range from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs. Because central air conditioners are more powerful, they’re usually measured in tons. A one-ton system is comparable to 12,000 BTUs. Generally, central air conditioning models range from 1 to 5 tons.
Sizing a Room Air Conditioner
When examining 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 need to have a 5,000 to 8,000 BTU air conditioner.
- A room that is around 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 take a 12,000 to 18,000 BTU unit.
These general recommendations don’t consider additional factors like interior heat gain or sun exposure. For a more accurate calculation, reach out to an HVAC professional from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
Sizing a Central Air Conditioner
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 specialists rely on load calculations outlined in Manual J to determine a home’s unique cooling requirements. Here are the elements that come into play:
- Square footage: How big your home is greatly affects its cooling requirements, with more sizeable homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
- Local climate: Where you live affects your cooling requirements as well. States with sweltering hot, humid summers normally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier regions.
- Interior heat gain: The heat created inside your home is made by people, lights, electronics and appliances. Higher internal heat elevates your home’s cooling needs.
- Insulation levels: The level of insulation in your walls, attic and floors affects how much heat gets inside. Well-insulated homes keep cool air more effectively, reducing the cooling load.
- Air infiltration rate: This refers 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 counter the warm, humid outdoor air that seeps through the walls and into your home.
- Home orientation and window layout: The direction your home faces determines its sun exposure, which in turn impacts your home’s cooling load. A single-family home with sprawling 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 air conditioning systems are created equal. It’s vital121 to choose a trustworthy brand for durability and longevity.
- Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) shows the total heat an air conditioner can take out per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings signify higher efficiency, minimizing your utility bills.
- Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system working correctly. Most air conditioning manufacturers recommend yearly tune-ups to find and fix small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.
Get Expert Help Sizing Your Air Conditioner from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
Choosing139 the right air conditioner size can be daunting. The Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to support you throughout the process. We offer custom cooling remedies to optimize home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.
From establishing your unique cooling specifications to helping you understand different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re there for you at every step. For help selecting the perfect air conditioner for your home in Edmonton, call 587-404-0790 today to schedule your appointment with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.