What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Whether you’re building a new home or updating your existing heating and cooling system, there is one question you're bound to consider: what size air conditioner do I need? Choosing the right air conditioner 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 scorching 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 conditioning provides the perfect cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and energy savings. Here’s why you shouldn’t merely guess the ideal AC size:

Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too quickly, reducing humidity removal and rendering your home clammy. A right sized air conditioner will regulate indoor humidity levels more successfully.
Even temperatures: A properly sized air conditioner circulates cool air evenly and reduces uncomfortable temperature fluctuations 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 large enough to keep up with cooling demand.
Proper cycling: Air conditioners turn on and off with plenty of run time per cycle. Units that are too large cycle too quickly, leading to40 increased wear and tear. Then again, an undersized system runs continually, which may cause the unit to become overheated.
Manageable utility bills: Cycling troubles caused by choosing the wrong size of air conditioner lead to higher electricity bills. However, a unit that is the recommended size will function 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 conveys the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove per hour. A large percentage of room air conditioners range from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs. Because central air conditioners are larger, they’re commonly measured in tons. A one-ton system is proportionate 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, which size you need mainly 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 need 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 large room or open area of 550 to 1,000 square feet may necessitate 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 Winnipeg Supply Service Experts.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

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

Square footage: How large of a home you have significantly affects its AC requirements, with larger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
Local climate: Where you live impacts your cooling requirements as well. Parts of the country with extremely hot, humid summers naturally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier communities.
Interior heat gain: The heat released inside your home is made by people, lights, electronics and appliances. Higher internal heat increases your home’s cooling requirements.
Insulation levels: The quantity of insulation in your walls, attic and floors influences how much heat gets into your living space. Well-insulated homes hold cool air more effectively, which lowers the cooling load.
Air infiltration rate: This refers to how much outside air penetrates through leaks or cracks in 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 has an effect on your home’s cooling load. A single-family residence with expansive south-facing windows absorbs more heat and calls for a bigger 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 crucial121 to go with a trustworthy brand for reliability and longevity.
Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) shows how much heat an air conditioner can take out per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings represent increased efficiency, lowering your utility bills.
Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently. Most air conditioning producers suggest yearly tune-ups to find and fix small problems before they turn into pricey repairs.

Get Expert Help Sizing Your Air Conditioner from Winnipeg Supply Service Experts

Finding139 a suitable air conditioner size can be overwhelming. The Experts at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts are here to support you throughout the process. We can provide you with custom cooling solutions to enhance home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From establishing your exact cooling specifications to helping you browse different brands and efficiency ratings, we’re with you at every step. For help choosing the perfect air conditioner for your home in Winnipeg, call 204-800-0613 today to schedule your appointment with Winnipeg Supply Service Experts.