How to Size Air Conditioner For Any Room
It's important to pick the right air conditioner for your room. Oversized air conditioners cause excess humidity, while undersized units will spike your energy bill. Knowing how to size an air conditioner based on your specific circumstances is super important.
As Hickory's trusted AC installation experts, we are here to make sizing an air conditioner easy. Learn what factors to consider when sizing an AC, then call us at (828) 618-4887 for professional advice and installation.
Understanding an AC Unit's Size
Unlike many appliances, an AC unit's physical dimensions are largely irrelevant. What matters much more is cooling capacity. British Thermal Units (BTUs) determine a unit's cooling capacity and energy efficiency.
You might assume that the higher the BTU, the better. However, this isn't always the case. You must measure your room's dimensions before deciding on an appropriate BTU capacity.
Measure Your Room
When it comes to how to size an air conditioner, start by calculating your room's size. Measure your space's square footage, and use this formula:
Room length x Room width x 25 BTU
25 BTU per square foot may seem arbitrary, but it's the ideal BTU-to-square-foot ratio for air conditioners. If your room is 20 feet by 10 feet, 20 x 10 x 25 = 5,000 BTU. Thus, you'll want an air conditioner with a minimum capacity of 5,000 BTU.
It's important to combine rooms that connect together. For instance, if you have a shared kitchen and living room, you'll want to calculate the total square footage of both rooms.
Take these factors into account when calculating AC capacity:
- If your room has bright sunlight, increase the capacity calculation by 10%.
- If your room has few windows, reduce it by 10%.
- Any unit in a room that two or more people share should increase by 600 BTU per person.
- Finally, kitchens need a unit with 4,000 extra BTU; this additional power offsets heat from ovens and stoves.
If you're ever unsure of your calculations, local HVAC experts can determine the optimal BTU capacity for your needs.
Factors to Consider When Sizing an AC for a Room
BTU capacity and square footage aren't the only factors you should consider when picking an air conditioner. Here are some other factors to keep in mind.
Climate
What is your local climate like? Do you live in a more temperate area, or are your local conditions drier? Does the climate change with the seasons?
Air conditioner units affect your home's humidity and temperature. If you live in a warmer locale, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner than in a colder climate.
Insulation
Insulation plays a key role in regulating your home's air supply. If you have good insulation, your AC unit won't have to work as hard to keep your living space cool. However, poorly insulated homes often struggle to keep cold air from escaping outdoors.
If your insulation is old, work with local HVAC professionals to address any insulation concerns you have. They can help you identify gaps in your home's insulation that may be causing issues.
House Layout
What floor is your room on? Is it a basement room, or is it on the second or third story? Since heat rises, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner for elevated rooms, while first-floor spaces and basements might not need as strong of systems.
Sun Exposure
Does your room have a lot of windows? If so, you might need an air conditioner with a higher BTU rating. Sun exposure through windows causes rooms to heat up, especially if your room faces south or west.
Energy Efficiency
When choosing a room air conditioner, take into account comfort and energy efficiency. Usually, experts rate an air conditioner's efficiency using what's known as the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). An EER efficiency rating is simply a unit's BTU capacity divided by electrical wattage.
For example, a unit with 5,000 BTU capacity and 500 watts has an EER rating of 10. While higher EER-rating appliances tend to cost more, they'll save you money over time by lowering energy costs. Contact your local HVAC experts if you aren't sure whether prioritizing upfront or long-term savings is best for you.
Quality HVAC Services in Hickory, NC
If you're unsure how to size an air conditioner, look no further than Hickory Heating and Cooling. We help Hickory residents maintain their units with our air conditioner maintenance checklist and provide professional AC repair services. Contact us at (828) 618-4887 to schedule AC installation or learn more about how to choose the right size AC.
