To determine the right size air conditioner for your space, you need to consider the square footage of the area you want to cool. As a general rule, an air conditioner needs 20 British thermal units (BTUs) for each square foot of living space
. For example, a 1,000 to 1,200 square foot area would require an air conditioner with 21,000 BTUs or 1.75 tons
. It's also important to consider other factors such as the ceiling height, the size of your windows, and the level of shade or sun exposure in the room
. Additionally, if the unit will be used in a kitchen or if more than two people regularly occupy the room, adjustments to the capacity may be needed
. For a central air conditioning unit, you can use the conversion information to determine the size of the unit based on the model number of the outdoor unit
. It's crucial not to buy an air conditioner that's too large, as it can lead to inefficiency and increased operating costs
. If you want the most accurate decision, you can have a formal calculation called a "Manual J" performed
