Choosing the right size AC unit for your home is crucial for many reasons. If it’s too big, it might cool your house quickly but will use too much energy. If it’s too small, it might run all the time and still not cool your home properly. To find the perfect size AC unit, you need to consider several things, which Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling will explore in this blog.
Understanding Cooling Capacity
The cooling power of an AC is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). One BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. When talking about cooling capacity, we refer to how many BTUs per hour the air conditioner can remove from the air.
How to Calculate the Right AC Size
Measure Your Home
Start by measuring the square footage of the room or house you want to cool. Multiply the length of the room by its width. For example, if a room is 20 feet long and 15 feet wide, the square footage would be 300 square feet.
Consider the Climate
Where you live affects the size of the AC unit you need. Homes in very hot climates like the Fountain Hills AZ area will need an AC with more BTUs per square foot than a home located in Michigan. Here is a simple guide:
- Mild climates: 20 BTUs per square foot
- Medium climates: 30 BTUs per square foot
- Hot climates: 40 BTUs per square foot
So, if your home is 300 square feet in a medium climate, you would need:
300 square feet × 30 BTUs = 9000 BTUs
Include Other Factors
Other factors can affect the cooling capacity you need:
- Ceiling height: If your ceilings are higher than 8 feet, increase the BTUs by 10% for every extra foot.
- Windows and doors: More windows and doors might require more cooling power.
- Number of people: More people in the house can mean more heat generated. Add 600 BTUs for each person who regularly lives in your home.
- Kitchen: If you’re cooling a space with a kitchen, add at least 4,000 BTUs because cooking generates a lot of heat.
Fortunately, homeowners don’t need to be experts in knowing how to properly size an AC for your Arizona home. The professionally trained Comfort Specialists at Shadrach can assess your home’s layout and design to provide options from which you can choose. Shadrach always considers what you want and need. You can choose what is best for you and your wallet.
Choosing the Right Size AC Unit
Now that you know how many BTUs you need, you can look for an AC unit that matches this number. It’s very important to get the right size. Here’s why:
Too Big Isn’t Always Better
A big AC might cool the room fast, but it will turn off and on more often. This can make your home feel less comfortable because it doesn’t remove humidity well when it’s not running all the time. It can also use more energy and increase your electricity bill.
Too Small Can Be a Problem Too
A small AC will run all the time trying to cool down your home. This constant running can make your AC wear out faster and increase your bills because it’s always working hard.
Cooling Professionals in Fountain Hills, AZ
Choosing the right size AC unit for your home involves many factors to consider in order to get the right unit for your home and your desires. Remember, the goal is to choose an AC unit whose cooling capacity matches your space perfectly. This will ensure your home stays comfortable without wasting energy.
Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling has trained professionals to help you through the process of choosing the best AC unit. They can help make sure you get an AC unit that fits your home just right.
Schedule an in-home consultation with a Shadrach Plumbing & Cooling Comfort Specialist today.
