What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Whether you’re building a new home or replacing your existing heating and cooling system, there is one question you're bound to ask: what size air conditioner do I need? Buying the correct air conditioning size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could experience poor humidity control and significant energy expenses. Too small, and the unit might fail to reach comfortable temperatures on extremely hot days. Correct 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 air conditioner can generate 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, reducing humidity removal and leaving your home clammy. A properly sized air conditioner will regulate indoor humidity levels more successfully.
Even temperatures: An efficiently functioning air conditioner disseminates cool air evenly and minimizes unpleasant temperature changes between cycles.
Peak day performance: Systems that don't have enough cooling capacity struggle to reach the target temperature on hot summer afternoons, so you need a unit big enough to keep up with cooling demand.
Proper cycling: Air conditioners power on and off with adequate run time for each cycle. Units that are too big for the space cycle too quickly, resulting in40 additional wear and tear. Then again, an undersized system runs constantly, which may cause the unit to become overheated.
Manageable utility bills: Cycling issues caused by choosing the wrong size of air conditioner result in higher utility bills. However, a unit that is the correct size will function 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 per hour. The majority of 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 equivalent to 12,000 BTUs. Generally, central air conditioning models range from 1 to 5 tons.

Sizing a Room Air Conditioner

When considering 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 need to have a 5,000 to 8,000 BTU air conditioner.
A room that is around 350 and 550 square feet may 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 guidelines don’t account for 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 precise calculation, contact a cooling specialist at Chief/Bauer Service Experts.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

Determining the perfect size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but correct sizing requires a more in-depth look. HVAC Experts rely on load calculations detailed in Manual J to determine a home’s specific cooling requirements. Here are the considerations that technicians will examine:

Square footage: How large of a home you have substantially affects its air conditioning requirements, with bigger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
Local climate: Where you live can affect your cooling requirements as well. States with sweltering hot, humid summers naturally 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 increases your home’s cooling demands.
Insulation levels: The quantity of insulation in your walls, attic and floors impacts how much heat gets into your home. Well-insulated homes hold cool air more effectively, which lowers 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 combat the warm, humid outdoor air that sneaks 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 dwelling with expansive 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 conditioners are created equal. It’s essential121 to select a trusted brand for durability and longevity.
Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) shows how much heat an air conditioner can remove per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings represent higher efficiency, reducing your utility bills.
Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system operating efficiently. Most AC manufacturers recommend yearly tune-ups to locate and repair small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.

Get Expert Help Sizing Your Air Conditioner from Chief/Bauer Service Experts

Selecting139 the best air conditioner size can be stressful. The Experts at Chief/Bauer Service Experts are here to help. We provide custom cooling solutions to optimize home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From estimating your precise cooling specifications to helping you understand different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re at your side at every step. For help choosing the perfect air conditioner for your home in Champaign, call 217-689-2469 today to schedule your appointment with Chief/Bauer Service Experts.