Having the ideal air conditioner is crucial for maintaining a comfortable environment for your space. No one wants to be excessively sweaty or freezing cold! Additionally, wrong-sized equipment can result in ineffective cooling, high energy bills, and unnecessary expenses. In this blog, we will discover how to choose the ideal air conditioning unit size for your specific needs.
Understanding AC “Size”
When discussing air conditioners, the term “size” does not pertain to the actual size of the appliance. Instead, it refers to the cooling capacity measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which indicates the energy needed for the equipment to cool indoor air by eliminating heat. Select the right-sized air conditioner by calculating the square footage of the areas to be cooled.
Determining BTUs
Begin by measuring the size of your rooms. If you buy a single-room unit, you only need to measure that specific area. However, if you purchase a unit for the entire house, you will need to measure all the spaces, including the hallways. Once you have the width and length of each room, multiply the numbers together to calculate the square footage.
To calculate the air conditioning unit size, multiply the length times the width of the room or area to be cooled to get the cubic footage. Match the result to the recommended BTU range for your space.
Some Factors Affecting Air Conditioner Sizing
Choosing the perfect air conditioning unit size involves more than just considering the size of your space. Here are a few other things to consider:
- Ceiling Height: Generally, the suggested BTUs are determined based on a standard ceiling height of 9 feet. If your ceilings are higher, it will take more energy to cool the area.
- Insulation: A properly insulated property will enhance the cooling efficiency by retaining the cool air within the house.
- Sun Exposure: If your home faces south or west and gets excellent natural light, that’s usually a good thing — unless you’re trying to cool a house. Those properties with more shade will experience enhanced cooling efficiency.
- Climate: Because warmer climates will require running AC throughout more of the year, you’ll need to look for a unit with a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER).
Conclusion:
It’s a misconception that a larger AC unit at home is always better. The most suitable size is the one that meets your specific requirements. If the unit is too small, it may not cool your space effectively. Conversely, if the appliance is too large, it can lead to frequent cycling, higher energy bills, and a shorter lifespan. The ideal size ensures efficient cooling and energy savings.
Take the time to evaluate your cooling needs and enjoy a comfortable home all year long. For expert advice on choosing the right-sized appliance, contact our team at Superior Air Repair today.
