What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing HVAC 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 experience poor humidity control and exorbitant energy bills. Too small, and the unit might not be able to maintain comfortable temperatures on sweltering hot days. Appropriate 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 produces the perfect cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and cost savings. Here’s why you shouldn’t just guess the appropriate 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 efficiently.
Even temperatures: An efficiently functioning air conditioner disseminates cool air evenly and reduces unpleasant temperature variations between cycles.
Peak day performance: An undersized system will struggle to reach the target temperature on hot summer afternoons, so you need a unit powerful enough to keep up with cooling demand.
Proper cycling: Air conditioners start up and turn back off with plenty of run time during each cycle. Units that are larger than you need cycle too quickly, causing40 increased wear and tear. Conversely, an undersized system runs continuously, which may cause overheating.
Manageable utility bills: Cycling troubles caused by selecting the wrong size of air conditioner lead to higher electricity 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 indicates the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove per hour. The majority of room AC units 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 proportionate 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, the right size mostly 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 might need 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 require 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 accurate calculation, reach out to an HVAC professional from Levy & Son Service Experts.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

Figuring out the perfect size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but accurate sizing demands a more in-depth look. HVAC Experts rely on load calculations detailed in Manual J to determine a home’s particular cooling requirements. Here are the elements that come into play:

Square footage: The size of your home substantially affects its AC requirements, with more sizeable homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
Local climate: Where you live impacts your cooling requirements as well. Areas with very hot, humid summers generally 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 raises your home’s cooling needs.
Insulation levels: The quantity of insulation in your walls, attic and floors has effects on how much heat gets into your home. Well-insulated homes retain cool air more effectively, which lowers the cooling load.
Air infiltration rate: This describes how much outside air penetrates 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 makes its way into the 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 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 air conditioning systems are created equal. It’s vital121 to select a trusted brand for durability and longevity.
Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) shows the amount of heat an air conditioner can take out per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings represent greater efficiency, decreasing your utility bills.
Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system working efficiently. Most AC makers encourage yearly tune-ups to catch small problems before they turn into high-priced repairs.

Get Expert Help Sizing Your Air Conditioner from Levy & Son Service Experts

Choosing139 the best air conditioner size can be daunting. The Experts at Levy & Son Service Experts are here to help. We offer custom cooling strategies to optimize home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From estimating your exact cooling needs to helping you understand 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 Dallas, call 469-250-0932 today to schedule your appointment with Levy & Son Service Experts.