To determine the size of the AC unit you need, you should consider the square footage of your home, combined with heat gain/loss and environmental circumstances. Here are some steps to help you determine the right size AC unit for your home:
- Calculate the square footage of your home by multiplying the length of each room by its width, then adding them all together.
- Match your square footage to an HVAC size chart. For example, for a 1,500-2,000 square foot home, you would likely choose a 3 or 3.5 ton unit, depending on the climate where you live.
- Consider other factors beyond square footage, such as how many people regularly occupy the room at one time, whether the room is heavily shaded or very sunny, and how much heat gain/loss your home experiences.
Its important to note that buying an AC unit thats too large for your space can lead to a short cycle, where the compressor doesnt run for enough time to properly cool the space. Conversely, an AC unit thats too small will struggle to cool your entire home and may wear out your system. Therefore, its recommended to have a professional load calculation, such as a Manual J, performed to determine the most accurate final decision.
