What Size AC Unit Do I Need?

An HVAC contractor will understand the variables involved and be able to perform the cooling load calculations necessary for proper AC system sizing. However, understanding some of the principles behind cooling system sizing and the reasons why it’s so important will be helpful when considering a new system for your home. For example, when it comes to the size of your home air conditioner, bigger is not necessarily better. Equipping your space with a larger system with too many tons of cooling capacity not only uses more energy than necessary, but an oversized air conditioner could also cycle on and off too quickly without adequately removing humidity from the air, leaving you feeling cool but damp. Conversely, an air conditioner that’s too small for your space will work overtime trying to cool the space, consuming more energy without fully doing the job. A properly sized air conditioner matched to the unique needs of your home will not only keep you comfortable, it can also help you save on your energy bills. Because there is no simple answer to the question, “What size air conditioner do I need?” and because it is so important to your comfort and energy consumption, we always recommend getting a professional assessment of your property. Your local Carrier HVAC dealer can account for all of the factors involved and determine the optimal AC unit size for your home.

How Are Air Conditioners Rated?

Air conditioners are typically rated two ways: cooling capacity and energy efficiency. When you ask the question, “what size AC unit do I need?” you’ll be interested in cooling capacity as measured in BTUh or tons. To compare energy efficiency between different AC units, you’ll usually look for the SEER2, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2, which is kind of like the air conditioner version of miles per gallon for a car.

Cooling Capacity

Cooling capacity offers a concrete measure to help determine whether a particular air conditioner is an appropriate fit for your space. An air conditioner’s cooling capacity is expressed in BTUh (British Thermal Units per Hour) or tons (often referred to as “tonnage”). Both offer a measurement of an air conditioner’s cooling ability over an hour’s time. One ton of cooling capacity is equal to 12,000 BTUh. Residential air conditioners usually range from 1.5 to 5 tons (or, 18,000 – 60,000 BTUh). Anything with larger cooling capacity would be considered light commercial. Tonnage ratings are typically expressed in increments of .5 tons, so residential air conditioners are usually rated as 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5 ton units. It should be noted that there is a distinct difference between BTU and BTUh. BTU, or British Thermal Units, is actually a measurement for the amount of heat needed to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. BTUh represents a measure of how much heat in BTUs an air conditioner can remove from your home over an hour’s time.

SEER2 Rating

Air conditioners use SEER2 ratings to indicate energy efficiency. SEER2 stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 and is used to help consumers make informed choices about the systems they choose for their homes. By definition, SEER2 ratings are the total amount of cooling provided during the entire cooling season divided by the total electrical input during the cooling season. Much like MPG (miles per gallon) for a car, the higher the SEER2 rating, the more energy efficient the system. Bear in mind, two AC units with the same cooling capacity could have very different SEER2 ratings. For example, when looking at two different 3-ton air conditioner models, one might be rated at 13 SEER2, and the other might be a much more efficient 19 SEER2 unit. Higher efficiency units may receive special certification called ENERGY STAR^®, a Department of Energy program that recognizes consumer products for their energy saving capabilities. If an AC unit has earned an ENERGY STAR^® certification, it has a higher SEER2 rating and uses at least 8% less energy than conventional models. ^[1]

What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need For My Space?

While there are formulas available to help you estimate the right sized AC unit for your home, the easiest and most accurate method is to rely on a Carrier^® HVAC dealer. They’ll be able to precisely measure your home, weigh each of the factors that go into the equation, and provide an accurate assessment of the right-sized equipment for your home.

Air Conditioner Size Calculation

To determine the best fit for an HVAC system for your home, your local dealer will perform what is called a “load calculation”. This will tell you the amount of cooling capacity required to maintain a consistent temperature within the home. Your dealer will compile information like square footage, window and door area, insulation quality and climate to figure out just how much heating and cooling capacity is required by your system.

Additional Variables For Air Conditioner Sizing

There are many variables that must be taken into consideration when determining the correct size AC for a home. Factors that your dealer will take into consideration include:

• Total square footage of interior space to be cooled
• Approximate amount of direct sun exposure
• Head count of typical number of people at home
• Types and numbers of appliances or equipment that generate heat
• Weather conditions/climate
• Quality and total number of exterior windows
• Quality and R-value of insulation
• Type of construction, such as brick exterior or vinyl siding
• Interior ductwork/airflow assessment
• Features that contribute to heating & cooling loss or gain, such as fireplaces or skylights

Contact a Carrier HVAC Dealer

Let a Carrier HVAC dealer answer your question of “what size AC unit do I need?” Carrier dealers have the training and experience to accurately measure and calculate the correct cooling load for your home. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to make a better informed decision on an HVAC system that will provide comfortable, energy-efficient cooling for you and your family.