Published by Programme B
With massive heat waves hitting everywhere this summer, it is no surprise that more people are looking for an air conditioner to cool down.
However, just going over to the store and buying one isn’t enough. There are several things you need to consider, including the size and type of an AC unit for your home. This is an important factor to take into account because you want an air conditioner that is able to cool off your entire home efficiently while also protecting you from high energy bills and costly repairs.
Read our brief guide outlining the three main things you need to keep in mind when getting the right size air conditioner for your home.
Photo by Carlos Lindner from Unsplash
Decide what type of AC you need
In general, there are several types of air conditioner units you can choose from to help keep you cool. Some of the most commonly preferred choices among homeowners include a central air conditioner, portable air conditioner, and window AC units.
For example, the central air conditioner is a system that covers your whole house with a single unit. It distributes cool air equally to every room through one or more fans and ductwork.
A portable air conditioner is a freestanding unit that you can set up anywhere in your home and cool single rooms.
A window AC unit is often considered the simplest form of an air conditioning system, which is mounted on windows or walls and can only cool one room at a time.
Whichever unit you choose, make sure it is installed by local professionals. For instance, if you live in an urban area like Stouffville, Ontario, look for the best air conditioner installation Stouffville services nearby to get professional installation at a great price. Hiring local professionals is also very convenient in case of an emergency.
Consider the room size
To calculate the size of the unit, you should first measure the square footage of the room or house. The square footage can be determined by multiplying the length and width of the rooms and then adding them together.
Once you have calculated the square footage, multiply the amount by 25 to get the BTUs needed to cool your space. BTU is a unit that represents the cooling capacity of power of the AC. When calculating how many BTUs you need to cool down certain square footage of space, there are two rules you should keep in mind.
Firstly, your AC shouldn’t be too big as it may unnecessarily boost your energy bills. Secondly, it shouldn’t be too small either because it won’t be able to cool down your home as it should.
Take the room traits into account
Although the room size is the most important factor that will help you choose the right size air conditioner, there are other variables that come into play that can affect how efficiently your system can cool.
For example, if you live in a country where the summers can get really hot, then you may benefit from a unit with a higher SEER rating, which is the unit’s cooling output.
Another factor that could impact how many BTUs per square foot you need include your home’s insulation. The main purpose of the insulation is to keep the heat out and the cool air in during the summer, and vice-versa in the winter. Therefore, you need to have a well-insulated home so your AC unit can run more efficiently.
In addition, your ceiling height should also be considered. Homes with high ceilings have more volume than standard rooms. So you will need to calculate one or two BTUs higher than what is recommended for the square footage of the room to cool the room more efficiently.
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels
Final thoughts
Getting the correct size air conditioning unit for your home has a major impact on your comfort and your energy bills. You need an air conditioner unit that isn’t too big or too small, so you can make the most out of its cooling capacity and protect yourself from high energy costs.
While consulting professionals is one way of choosing the right size AC, it is recommended that you also get familiar with how they operate when making the decision. Use our post as a reference to help you get the best size air conditioner unit for your home.