What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Whether you’re building a new home or replacing your existing air conditioning system, there is one question you're bound to ask: what size air conditioner do I need? Buying the ideal AC size is a balancing act. Too large, and you could face poor humidity control and excessive energy expenses. Too small, and the unit might not be able to maintain comfortable temperatures on scorching 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 AC produces the right cooling capacity is a matter of comfort and keeping your energy bills low. Here’s why you shouldn’t simply guess the correct AC size:

Humidity control: An oversized unit cools too fast, preventing humidity removal and making your home clammy. A right sized air conditioner will regulate indoor humidity levels more efficiently.
Even temperatures: An efficiently functioning air conditioner distributes cool air evenly and reduces unpleasant temperature variations 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 large enough to keep up with cooling demand.
Proper cycling: Air conditioners power on and off with plenty of 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 continuously, which may cause overheating.
Manageable utility bills: Cycling problems caused by selecting the wrong size of air conditioner cause higher utility bills. However, a unit that is the recommended size will operate efficiently 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 in one hour. Most 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 equivalent to 12,000 BTUs. Most central AC systems range from 1 to 5 tons.

Sizing a Room Air Conditioner

For window or portable air conditioners, the right size 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 will probably require 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 tips 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 accurate calculation, seek expert advice from Matz-Rightway.

Sizing a Central Air Conditioner

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

Square footage: How large of a home you have significantly affects its AC requirements, with bigger homes generally requiring more cooling capacity.
Local climate: Where you live can affect your cooling preferences as well. Areas with sweltering hot, humid summers normally demand a higher cooling capacity than cooler, drier regions.
Interior heat gain: The heat created inside your home can come from people, lights, electronics and appliances. Higher internal heat raises your home’s cooling requirements.
Insulation levels: The level of insulation in your walls, attic and floors affects how much heat gets into your living space. Well-insulated homes keep cool air more successfully, which lowers the cooling load.
Air infiltration rate: This describes how much outside air enters through leaks or cracks in the building envelope. Homes with a significant air infiltration requires more cooling to counteract the warm, humid outdoor air that makes its way inside.
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 dwelling with expansive south-facing windows absorbs more heat and necessitates 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 cooling systems are created equal. It’s essential121 to choose a trustworthy brand for dependability and longevity.
Efficiency rating: The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicates how much heat an air conditioner can take out per unit of electricity it consumes. Higher SEER ratings indicate higher efficiency, minimizing your utility bills.
Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance keeps your system running effectively. Most air conditioner producers recommend yearly tune-ups to catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.

Get Expert Help Sizing Your Air Conditioner from Matz-Rightway

Selecting139 a suitable air conditioner size can be overwhelming. The Experts at Matz-Rightway are here to support you throughout the process. We provide custom cooling remedies to optimize home comfort, efficiency and energy savings.

From establishing your unique cooling needs to helping you navigate 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 Long Island, call 631-406-9220 today to schedule your appointment with Matz-Rightway.