More than 75% of homes in the United States have air conditioners, and it’s easy to see why. Air conditioning units make life more comfortable, allowing you to relax away from the heat on hot summer days and protecting you from mold in humid environments.
Even so, getting an air conditioner that works perfectly and is cost-effective depends entirely on getting the right size unit.
If you’re in the market for an air conditioning unit or replace yours when you should, make sure you’re getting the best deal by getting the right size unit. Not sure how to do that? Read on to learn about picking the right air conditioner size for your home.
Why the Right Size Matters
Believe it or not, you can save 20% to 50% on your air conditioning expenses every year by purchasing the right HVAC unit when it’s time.
Why does purchasing the right size unit matter?
Saving money is a huge plus. When you get the right size unit for your home, the unit doesn’t have to run as hard or take as long to work. This means less electricity used and lower utility bills as a result.
Another benefit is that the unit will work better all around, making it easier to keep your home at a consistent, comfortable temperature. It will also be better at managing humidity for the size of home you live in, helping to prevent mold.
Measuring for the Right Size AC
When figuring out what size air conditioner is right for you, you’ll start by measuring the square footage of the space you’re cooling. A room-size air conditioner will be easier to measure, while a home-size air conditioner unit (also called a central air system) will take more effort. Your professional HVAC maintenance company can help you measure the right size.
Once you know the square footage of your home, you’ll match it to the necessary cooling capacity. Cooling capacity is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs).
On average, measurements translate as listed below:
- 100 to 300 square feet = 5,000 to 7,000 BTU
- 300 to 550 square feet = 8,000 to 12,000 BTU
- 550 to 1,000 square feet = 14,000 to 18,000 BTU
- 1,000 to 1,200 square feet = 21,000 to 24,000 BTU
- 1,500 to 2,000 square feet = 30,000 BTU
- 2,000 to 2,500 square feet = 34,000 BTU
Other Tips to Keep in Mind
There are other tips to keep in mind when determining what size central air conditioner to invest in.
For example, if your house is primarily shaded, you can reduce your BTUs by 10%. On the other hand, if it gets a lot of direct sun exposure, you should increase your BTUs by 10%.
If multiple people live in a room, you’ll also want to add about 600 BTUs per person. A kitchen, a frequently hot space, adds 4,000 BTUs on average.
You’ll also want to account for the age of your windows and if they leak air.
Pick the Right Air Conditioner Size
When it comes to buying a new AC unit, choosing the right air conditioner size is half the battle. Too small of a unit will crank up your bills. However, a unit that’s too big could shut off early and fail to help with humidity.
Looking for more advice and guidance? Contact our air conditioning installation team today.