What Size A/C Unit Do I Need?

Every home is different and so are its heating and cooling needs. When buying an air conditioner unit, the big question that comes to every homeowner’s mind is ‘what size air conditioner unit do I need?’ The answer to that question depends on several factors.

Air conditioners are available in different sizes, and each of them has its qualities. They have varied efficiencies and specific installation and operational costs. Some key factors that impact your purchasing decision are the cost of the unit, the labor, the maintenance, etc.

Calculating the Right Air Conditioner Unit Size

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, and it is a unit of measurement for energy. BTU refers to the cooling capacity or power of the air conditioner unit for air conditioners and heating systems.

Here are two ways to calculate the right air conditioner unit size.

By Calculating the Square Footage of the Home

This method gives you a rough estimate of the air conditioner unit size for small to average-sized homes. Since this is a general guideline, it might not be adequate to figure the right size of the air conditioner unit.

Graph: Trane 2021

By Using the Manual J Calculation Method

Using the manual J calculation method is the ideal way to determine the perfect air conditioner unit size. It is a precise measurement, and it’ll help you understand how many BTUs of cooling and heating you will need for your home.

Some of the factors the manual J calculation method considers are:

● The total space of your home

● The age of your home

● The number and condition of all the windows

● The existing ductwork and ventilation systems

● How much sunlight and shade the home experiences through the day

● The number of people using the space

● Heat generating appliances

The Importance of Choosing the Right Size of Air Conditioner Unit

Homeowners may have a misconception that the bigger the air conditioner unit, the better it is. Many may also believe that a large air conditioner unit will provide more cooling. This is far from the truth. Choosing an oversized unit not only wastes energy but is also less effective.

If you install an air conditioner that is too large, it does a ‘short cycle.’ Along with cooling the air, during a ‘short cycle,’ the unit will also remove the moisture from the air (humidity) from the air, making you feel hot and sticky. Due to this, the system will run the cycle more often, thus increasing the operating costs and decreasing its efficiency. When the air conditioner unit is the right size, it will ensure the humidity is removed from the air and the room is well cooled. (Thiele, 2021)

On the other hand, choosing an air conditioner unit size that’s too small cools your home slowly and increases your utility bills.

How to Get the Air Conditioner Unit Sizing Right

One of the best ways to help you determine the correct size for your air conditioning system is to get your home evaluated by a professional technician.

Here are some reasons why:

No HVAC technician, no matter how experienced they are, can take a look at your home and say which air conditioner size is ideal for your home. A professional contractor will ask you questions about the insulation, your needs and only then offer an estimate.

Another advantage is that a professional can inspect your ductwork to check for wear and tear. If the ducting is clogged, it will come in the way of your air conditioning system running well and efficiently.

A reliable technician will also ensure the correct installation of the air conditioner unit.

Another factor to consider is the system’s energy efficiency level. Always choose energy-efficient models. An HVAC professional should share energy fact sheets for different models, types, and designs to help you compare and make the right decision. (Energy.gov)

What Texas Comfort Solutions Offers You

Texas Comfort Solutions is focused and committed to giving you honest HVAC services at a fair price. We’re a local veteran and family-owned business dedicated to treating you and your home with care, respect, and integrity. Our team of reliable and experienced technicians has been repairing, maintaining, and installing HVAC systems in the Houston area since 2004.

Whether you’re looking for a system check-up or a completely new system upgrade, we’re here to help you with all your air conditioning and heating needs. To get in touch with us, visit https://www.txcomsol.com/ or call us at (832) 597-4191.

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Works Cited

Trane. “What Size HVAC Unit Do I Need?: Calculate Furnace Size: Trane Topics.” IR Trane Content Hub, 30 Mar. 2021, www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/size-hvac-unit-need/.

Thiele, Timothy. “When It Comes to Air Conditioners, Size Matters.” The Spruce, 2021,

www.thespruce.com/air-conditioner-sizing-1152666.

Energy.gov. “Energy Saver 101 Infographic: Home Cooling.” Energy.gov,

www.energy.gov/articles/energy-saver-101-infographic-home-cooling.