What Air Conditioner Size Do You Need? Easy Sizing Guide. If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, chances are you’ve been overwhelmed by the choices. Even if you don’t know much about HVAC systems, there are several things that will help you make an informed decision: what size your home is, how many rooms need to stay cool (and when), and whether or not there’s enough space outside for an outdoor unit. And how can you figure out which one is right for your needs? Read on for answers!
Why Does Air Conditioner Size Matter?
The size of an air conditioner is important because it can determine how well it will cool your home. If the unit is too small, it won’t be able to keep up with the heat in your house and may use more power to cool down all areas of your home. Also, this could cause more wear and tear on the system.
On the other hand, if you choose a unit that’s too large for your house or apartment, then there are some downsides: To reach the desired temperature, the device may perform several quick cycles frequently. This could indicate that the space is excessively hot or cold or that the dehumidifier isn’t doing its job properly (so the room feels less comfortable). Last, power consumption raises operating expenses and exacerbates system wear and tear.
What Factors Influence Air Conditioner Size?
Now that you know what size air conditioner you need, let’s look at some factors that can affect your decision.
- Room size: The first thing you should consider is the size of your room. How big is it? How high is the ceiling? A room with high ceilings will require more energy to cool, thus total volume is just as important as floor space. A larger room will require a larger air conditioner, while a smaller one can get by with a smaller unit.
- Wall insulation: Are the ceilings and walls insulated? Insulation is one of the keys to making your home more energy efficient. It plays another role in determining which size air conditioner fits best within your home–and not just because it helps keep heat inside during winter months! It also helps prevent the outdoor summer heat from coming through walls so that less energy needs expended when keeping rooms comfortable year-round.
- Location: Where exactly do you live? Do they have hot summers here? Cold winters? How often do temperatures fluctuate between different seasons?
- Orientation: What direction does the room face? In the summer, a wide window facing the north or west might allow in a lot of heat, whereas a window facing south that is sheltered will be cooler.
What is your AC’s Cooling Capacity?
Cooling capacity is the amount of area an air conditioner can effectively cool. It’s measured in BTUs (British thermal units) or ton/tonnage, depending on your model and brand.
The table below shows the optimal size for each room based on square footage and cooling needs.
For example, if you have a room that’s 150 square feet (14′ x 14′), your cooling capacity will be about 5,000 BTUs per hour if that room is insulated and has windows facing south with no direct sunlight coming through them during the hottest part of summer days (between 10 am-4 pm).
If you have a room that’s 150 square feet (14′ x 14′), your cooling capacity will be about 8,000 BTUs per hour if that room is uninsulated and has two windows facing North or West with direct sunlight coming through them during the hottest part of summer days (between 10 am-4 pm).
TCL ACs by capacity:
- 5k-9k BTU ACs are for rooms of 150-400 square feet.
- 12k-32k BTU ACs are for rooms of 550-1900 square feet.
- 36k-60k BTU ACs are for a home area of more than 2700 square feet.
Tips for reducing cooling load
Reducing the cooling load of your home can have significant benefits, not only in terms of reducing your energy bills but also in reducing your carbon footprint. Here are some tips to help you reduce the amount of cooling your home needs:
- Improve insulation: Ensuring that your home is properly insulated can help prevent cool air from escaping, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.
- Use shading and ventilation: Strategically placed shading devices such as trees, blinds, and curtains can help prevent direct sunlight from entering your home, reducing the amount of heat that builds up inside. Natural ventilation, such as opening windows and using ceiling fans, can also help cool your home.
- Choose energy-efficient appliances: When it’s time to replace your appliances, opt for those with energy-efficient ratings. This includes air conditioners, as well as other appliances such as refrigerators and ovens.
- Reduce heat-generating activities: During the hottest parts of the day, try to avoid activities that generate heat, such as using the oven or dryer. Instead, opt for cooler alternatives, such as grilling outdoors or air-drying your clothes.
- Maintain your air conditioner: Regular maintenance of your air conditioner can help ensure that it is running efficiently and using the minimum amount of energy needed to cool your home. If you want to learn more, check out our Quick & Easy Guide on How To Clean Your Split-Type Aircon.
By following these tips, you can reduce your home’s cooling load, improve energy efficiency, and save money on your electricity bills.
Finding the right size air conditioner can be tricky.
Choosing the right size air conditioner can be tricky. You’ll want to choose an air conditioner that’s just right for your home, budget, needs, and energy efficiency.
The TCL Air Conditioner FreshIN+ series is the perfect combination of technology and innovation, delivering you a fresh, healthy home environment.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you understand how air conditioner size works, and how to find the perfect size for your home. If you need additional help with sizing your system, contact us today! We’re happy to answer any questions or concerns so that we can help find the right solution for everyone in our community.
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“What Air Conditioner Size Do You Need? Easy Sizing Guide,” Tcl.com, June 26, 2023, https://www.tcl.com/global/en/blog/guides/air-conditioner-sizing-guide.
