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 guaranteed to ask: what size air conditioner do I need? Buying the correct AC size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could experience poor humidity control and significant energy bills. 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 AC provides the right cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and energy savings. Here’s why you shouldn’t merely guess the appropriate air conditioning system size:

• Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too quickly, reducing humidity removal and rendering your home clammy. A correctly sized air conditioner will control indoor humidity levels more efficiently.
• Even temperatures: An efficiently functioning air conditioner circulates cool air evenly and reduces unpleasant temperature changes between cycles.
• Peak day performance: Systems that don’t have enough cooling capacity 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 start up and turn back off with plenty of run time during each cycle. Units that are too big for the space cycle too quickly, leading to increased wear and tear. Then again, an undersized system runs continuously, which may cause the unit to become overheated.
• Manageable utility bills: Cycling issues caused by selecting the wrong size of air conditioner result in higher energy bills. However, a unit that is the proper size will operate effectively 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 in one hour. The majority of room AC units range from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs. Because central air conditioners are bigger, they’re commonly measured in tons. A one-ton system is comparable to 12,000 BTUs. Many central AC systems range from 1 to 5 tons.

Sizing a Room Air Conditioner

For window or portable air conditioners, the right size primarily depends on the room’s square footage. Measure the area—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 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 tips don’t account for factors like interior heat gain or sun exposure. For a more exact calculation, contact a cooling specialist at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

Identifying the perfect size of central air conditioner begins with the home’s square footage, but specific sizing demands a more in-depth look. HVAC specialists 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 big your home is significantly affects its cooling requirements, with larger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
• Local climate: Where you live impacts your cooling preferences as well. Parts of the country with sweltering hot, humid summers normally 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. More internal heat elevates your home’s cooling requirements.
• Insulation levels: The amount of insulation in your walls, attic and floors has effects on how much heat gets inside. Well-insulated homes hold cool air more successfully, 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 significant air infiltration requires more cooling to neutralize the warm, humid outdoor air that seeps into the home.
• Home orientation and window layout: The direction your home faces determines its sun exposure, which in turn can change the required cooling load. A single-family home 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 cooling systems are created equal. It’s crucial to choose a trustworthy 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 increased efficiency, minimizing your utility bills.
• Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system working correctly. Most AC manufacturers encourage yearly tune-ups to catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.

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

Finding the best air conditioner size can be daunting. The Experts at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts are here to help. We can provide you with custom cooling strategies to boost home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

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