What to Consider in Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Size

As the weather gets warmer, many start thinking about cooling our homes with an air conditioner. If you’re in the market for a new unit, one of the most important factors is the unit’s capacity or the amount of air it can move in a given amount of time.

Too small of a unit will have to work overtime to keep your home cool, while too large of a team will cool your home too quickly and then cycle off, leaving your house humid. Determining the suitable air conditioner capacity is a combination of knowing your home and the size of the air conditioner you can accommodate. 

The size of the air conditioner is an essential factor to consider when determining the suitable capacity for your home. The air conditioner’s power is measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units. One BTU is the heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. If you don’t have the right conditions present, you may buy a unit that’s either too weak or powerful for your indoor spaces.

Here are some ways to determine the correct air conditioner you should purchase:

1. Determine the Size of the Area You Need to Cool

To determine the size of the place you need to cool, you should measure the area’s length, width, and height. It would be best to ensure that the unit’s fins are never blocked, so do not forget to include doorways and windows. The area you need to cool will determine the size of the air conditioner unit you need to purchase. 

In calculating the square footage of your room, multiply the length times the width. Include those in your calculations if your room has alcoves or other areas that protrude from the main space. Once you have determined how many square feet your room is, divide that number by 400-600 to find out how many tons of cooling capacity you will need.

2. Consider the Climate

As the world becomes increasingly industrialized and populated, the energy demand grows. This demand is often met by burning fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise. This phenomenon is known as global warming.

We must take action to mitigate the effects of global warming and help protect our planet for future generations. One way to do this is to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and switch to cleaner energy sources.

Therefore, it would be best to consider the accurate air conditioning size for your home to avoid using one that has the capacity beyond what you need. It would be an excellent step to conserve energy.

3. Get a Professional Opinion

If you are still unsure about the correct size of air conditioning unit you should get, then consider talking to a professional from Legacy Heating and Cooling. They will be able to offer you advice and make suggestions on the most suitable size of AC unit for you.

Conclusion

The size of an air conditioner is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a new unit. It will determine how effectively and efficiently your unit can cool your home. 

Ensure to measure the length, width, and height of the area you need to cool. Additionally, consider the climate in your area and the amount of energy you are willing to use for your air conditioner. If you are still unsure about which size of the unit to get give us a shout at 780-733-1256 or 403-451-1337.

If you need an air conditioner in Calgary and Edmonton, our store has various sizes and capacities to choose from! We specialize in the installation and replacement of furnaces, air conditioners, air cleaners, thermostats, humidifiers, heat recovery ventilation (HRV) units, humidifiers, and unit heaters. Contact us for a quote today!