4 Tips for Choosing the Right Size AC Unit for Your Home

Choosing the right size air conditioning unit for your home isn’t as simple as picking the biggest unit or the most powerful one. Oversized units can lead to frequent on-off cycling, while undersized units may struggle to cool your whole home on hot days. The key to home comfort, energy efficiency, and HVAC system longevity lies in finding the perfect balance—a unit that’s just the right size.

Consider the Size of Your Home

This first pointer may seem obvious, but the larger your home is, the more powerful your AC unit will need to be.

However, this does not mean you should automatically opt for the largest unit available if you have a spacious home—you have to consider the layout as well. For example, a small but multi-story house might need different cooling solutions on each floor.

Understand Your Area’s Climate

What kind of weather does your geographical area frequently experience? If you live in a place with high humidity or extreme temperatures, you might need a slightly more powerful unit than what would typically be recommended for your home size. Conversely, milder climates may not require as much cooling power.

Evaluate Your Home’s Insulation

Homes with proper insulation retain cool air more effectively, so your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard. Before you browse plumbing and heating supplies in search of a new AC unit, take a closer look at your insulation.

If that insulation has seen better days, you may want to consider improving it, which could allow you to opt for a smaller and more efficient AC unit.

Calculate the Required BTUs

A BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a measurement that represents the amount of heat an air conditioner can pull out of a room in an hour. The higher your unit’s BTU rating, the more powerful it is.

There are plenty of calculation tools online that can help you estimate the number of BTUs you’ll need based on your home’s size, layout, and location. This final step brings together all of those considerations and translates them into a concrete number, making your decision easier and more precise.

When it comes to selecting the right size air conditioning unit for your home, several factors demand your attention. Think about your home’s layout and your geographical area as you browse for new AC units. Ultimately, your decision revolves around increasing your home’s comfort without compromising on energy efficiency.