Summertime is just around the corner. Perhaps you need to get an air conditioner before it arrives, but you’re unsure what size to get. Is bigger better? What EER score provides the most bang for the buck? Let’s break this down.
Air Conditioner Sizing Calculation
An inadequately small air conditioner will sputter along, soaking up valuable energy without actually getting the job done. An extravagantly large air conditioner may cool the room down instantaneously, but it will also generate excess humidity, leaving you cold and clammy rather than comfortably cool. Besides that, the additional wear and tear on either might shorten the equipment’s useful life.
To determine the proper air conditioner for a given space, professionals use something known as the Manual J load calculation. This rather complicated formula considers various factors, including square footage, interior layout, building material, insulation, ventilation and ductwork to determine cooling capacity required. The broad strokes, however, are easy to comprehend. The standard size estimate for an air conditioner is 20 BTU for each square foot. Of course, adjustments should be made if the ceiling is exceptionally high, the room is filled with heat-generating appliances or many people use the space.
When shopping for an air conditioner, also consider the EER rating. This stands for energy-efficiency ratio, and the higher the number, the less energy the unit will require to cool your space. Obviously, that translates into lower utility bills.
Ballpark Estimates for Room Sizes
Small rooms between 100 and 300 square feet typically do well with a 5,000 to 6,500 BTU air conditioner. Midsize rooms, those that fall in the 250 to 650 square feet range, usually require a BTU level between 7,000 to 8,500. Large rooms over 650 square feet will likely need a unit between 9,800 and 12,500 BTU.
Connect With an Air Conditioning Expert in Kennesaw
An incorrectly sized or poorly installed air conditioning unit is a huge financial drain. Consequently, enlisting the help of a professional HVAC service can significantly cut home cooling costs. In the Kennesaw area, Total Comfort Solutions Heating and Cooling can advise you on your selection and install it meticulously. We can also keep it properly maintained and provide repairs if the need arises. We offer the same full range services for heating systems as well, and we even handle plumbing. Households concerned about respiratory wellness can count on our team to perform air quality checks and develop advanced filtering solutions for all situations. Contact Total Comfort Solutions Heating and Cooling today to request more information or schedule a consultation anywhere in Kennesaw.
End Of Article
