what size air conditioner do i need for 1500 sq ft house

Full Answer

What type of air conditioning system do I need for 1500 square feet?

You can use two main AC systems to efficiently cool a 1500 square foot area: a central AC unit and mini-split systems. A central AC unit is one system that connects to the rooms via ductwork.

What size a/C unit do I need for my home?

It is recommended that when your home is between 600 to 900 square feet, a 1.5-ton A/C unit can supply the cooling that you need. Meanwhile, you need two tons if your home is more than 900 square feet up to 1,200 SF.

What is the square footage of an air conditioner?

Air Conditioning Square Footage Range by Climate Zone. 1 1.5 Tons. 2 Tons. 2 2.5 Tons. 3 Tons. 3 3.5 Tons. 4 Tons. 5 Tons. ZONE 1. 600 - 900 sf. 901 - 1200 sf. 1201 - 1500 sf. 1501 - 1800 sf. 1801 - 2100 sf. 2101 - 2400 sf. 2401 - 3000 sf. ZONE 2.

How much AC do I need to cool my House?

So while you will be saving money, you will not have the optimal temperature control. Pro Tip: In general, you should have approximately 1 ton of ac capacity to cool 600 sq.ft. of area. (600 sq.ft./1 ton). This estimate is most accurate in new construction or newer homes that have proper insulation.

How big of an AC unit do I need for a 1500 sq ft house?

1,201 to 1,500 square feet homes should use 2.5 tons. If your home size is higher than the number above but is less not more than 1,800 square feet, you can go for a three-ton A/C. Choose a unit that is 3.5 tons if your home measures more than 1,800 but not more than 2,100 square feet.

How many sq ft will a 2.5 ton AC cool?

For example, a 30,000 BTU, 2.5-ton air conditioner is made to effectively cool a home between 1,200 and 1,500 square feet. A slightly larger 3,600, 3-ton unit, is designed for homes that are 1,500 to 1,800 square feet.

How many BTUs does it take to cool a 1500 square-foot house?

1,400 – 1,500 sq. feet: 23,000 BTUs. 1,500 – 2,000 sq. feet: 30,000 BTUs.

How many ton AC do I need for a 1500 square-foot house?

DIY CalculationsSquare FootageBTUs per hourAC Unit Tonnage1,000 to 1,20021,0002 Tons1,200 to 1,40023,0002 Tons1,400 to 1,50024,0002 Tons1,500 to 2,00030,0002.5 Tons4 more rows•Jun 23, 2020

How many tons is 1500 square feet?

Step 5: Match your square footage to an HVAC size chartHome Sq FootageAir Conditioner Size (tons)600 - 1,000 square feet1.5 tons1,000 – 1,500 square feet2 tons1,500 – 2,000 square feet3 tons2,000 – 2,500 square feet4 tons1 more row

How many sq ft does a 3 ton AC cover?

1,800 square feet spacesHow many square feet does a 3-ton air conditioner cover is quite easy to answer as well. 3-ton is equal to 36,000 BTU. If you apply the 20 BTU per sq ft rule of thumb, you can see that a 3-ton air conditioner cools about 1,800 square feet spaces.

How much is a 2.5 ton AC?

Average cost: $3,200 - $7,800 For a 1,300 to 1,600 square ft home you would want a 2.5 ton AC unit and the average installation cost would be around $3,570 with the unit alone costing around $1,285. Read more about these cost factors below.

How many square feet can a 2 ton AC unit cool?

about 900-1,400 square feetFor those of you that don't understand the way AC systems work, a 2-ton unit typically provides cooling for about 900-1,400 square feet of space – give or take.

How much is a 3 ton AC unit?

around $3,400 to $3,700New AC unit cost recap A 3-ton AC unit cost runs homeowner around $3,400 to $3,700. When it comes to a 3.5-ton AC unit cost, you will pay around $3,500 to $3,700. A 4-ton AC unit cost is $3,700 to $3,800 on average.

What size house can a 5 ton AC unit cool?

The answer is a 5 ton AC. Most homes from about 2500 to 3000 square feet require a 5 ton air conditioner.

Can I replace a 3 ton AC with a 4 ton?

Proper size is a must. There is no reason for you to install a 4 ton if you can use a 3 ton. The low stage isn't that much less than full capacity because of the unloading scroll systems.

What size air conditioner do I need for a 1400 square foot home?

STEP 1: Determine how many BTUs of heating and tons of AC you needHouse Square FootageBTUs Needed700 – 1,00018,0001,000 – 1,20021,0001,200 – 1,40023,0001,400 – 1,50024,00010 more rows

What does BTU stand for in HVAC?

Whenever you start looking at HVAC systems, you will often see the term BTU. BTU stands for British Thermal Units. This reading measures the amount of energy required to increase 1 pound of water’s temperature by 1 degree Fahrenheit.

What is block load in HVAC?

The block load only tells you how large or small of a unit you need for your home.

Why is it important to choose the right size AC unit?

Choosing the right size unit is important for saving money and cooling your home effectively. Believe it or not, both getting too large or too small of a unit leads to costly and uncomfortable consequences. For example, too large of an AC unit lead to short cycling, resulting in unideal moisture content in the air.

What is load calculation?

Load calculation is how HVAC professionals find the right size air conditioner for your home. Initially, HVAC companies guessed what size unit a home needed based on the square footage alone. Often, simply using square footage leads to installing too large of an AC unit.

Why do smaller rooms not need more power?

Smaller rooms do not require as much power to cool or heat. This is simply because there is less space and air within the room. In contrast, homes with large rooms will need a more powerful unit. Larger rooms require a bit more effort to completely cool or heat.

When is insulation needed?

During the summer months, insulation traps the cool air inside the home and keeps the hot air out. On the flip side, insulation traps in the heat during the winter. If your home has a lot of insulation, you can use a smaller unit.

Do more windows insulate your home?

The number of windows. Windows do a terrible job of insulating your home. The more windows you have, the less insulation your home offers. For this reason, homes with more windows need a much stronger unit since the home itself does not offer much insulation.

Types of air conditioning systems

Before sizing your air conditioner to your home’s needs, determine what type of system you want to install. There are a variety of cooling systems available, but we’ll cover the three primary styles below. (Looking for how to properly size a window AC ?)

How many BTU per square foot?

A BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a rating that measures the energy your AC uses in one hour to remove heat from your indoor air. The BTU of your HVAC system should be based on the square footage of your home, insulation quality, climate zone, and ductwork.

Manual J calculation

A Manual J calculation is like an energy audit of your home. Who performs the Manual J calculation can vary depending on your region. In some instances, the HVAC company will complete the audit. It’s also possible for a general contractor or energy consultant to complete the work.

AC climate zones

While the square footage and makeup of your home will give you great direction on sizing your HVAC unit, we can’t forget climate.

Best HVAC size for your home

Choosing the right size air conditioning system for your home doesn’t have to be complicated.

Table of Contents

An air conditioner’s primary purpose is to cool down your home. However, using one that doesn’t match the square footage of your home will struggle to keep a room at a comfortable temperature. The right-sized air conditioner will give you the best results in comfort, performance and energy efficiency.

Air Conditioner Ratings

Air conditioners are typically rated in two ways: cooling capacity and energy efficiency.

Variables That Might Impact the Size of Air Conditioner

The main factor for choosing the right sized air conditioning system is the square footage of your home. However, there are some other variables that come into play which can affect how efficiently your system can cool.

How to Calculate Size

To calculate the size of the unit you will need, you will need to know the square footage of the room or house. To find the square footage, multiply the length times the width of the rooms in your home, then add them together. Once you have the square footage, multiply it by 25 to get the BTUhs needed to cool your space.

Existing Ductwork

The size of your air conditioning unit must be compatible with your ductwork. The wrong sized ducts will cause similar problems to having an improperly sized AC unit for your square footage. Improperly-sized ductwork puts too much pressure on your unit.

HVAC Pros

Although it’s important to understand how to pick the right size air conditioner for your home, an HVAC professional will perform all the calculations necessary for maximum efficiency.

How many pounds of water can a ton of air conditioner cool?

In this case, a ton of air conditioner means that it can cool 12,000 pounds of water, raising its temperature to one degree in one hour.

How big is a 4 ton home?

A four-ton unit is suitable for homes that are more than 2,100 square feet up to 2,400 SF. Using the measurements above, you get the general idea as to how large your unit should be when you buy and install one.

What happens if your A/C unit is too big?

When the unit is too big for a room, the room’s temperature will go down very quickly. At the same time, the A/C will get rid of a little bit of the humidity in the air. It results in the room having a damp and clammy feeling. Additionally, the cost of the unit, installation, and electric bills are much higher.

Why HVAC size Matters

The right size air conditioner for your home will work much more efficiently. When your system is too large or too small, you may battle an uncomfortable indoor climate and higher energy costs.

Step 1: Air conditioner types that best fit your home

There are three primary types of air conditioners, all which cool in a very similar way. Your home likely has one of the following systems: ductless AC, packaged air conditioner, or split-system air conditioner.

Step 2: Review ratings for the HVAC size you need

Once you’ve determined which type of AC is best for your home, research the ratings of the style you prefer. Air conditioners are usually rated based on their energy efficiency and cooling capacity. As you set out to answer “what size AC unit do I need?” it’s a good idea to be familiar with how those two components are represented.

Step 3: Estimate the right AC size for your house

How your desired AC unit is rated is just one element to consider when choosing the right size HVAC. In order to get optimal results from your HVAC investment, rely on the trusted advice of an American Standard Customer Care dealer. Our independent dealers can help you determine the best size HVAC for your home based on more than square footage.

Step 4: Request an energy audit and Manual J calculation

You may also consider having a Manual J calculation completed through an energy audit. Many utility companies offer these audits and reports for free, but if not, it’s possible to hire an HVAC dealer or energy auditor to complete the inspection.

Step 5: Match your square footage to an HVAC size chart

While a professionally trained American Standard Customer Care dealer is the best way to determine the right size AC for your home, this chart can begin to give you an idea based on your home’s size.

Choose the best AC installation company

American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning® partners with the most trusted independent dealers. When your HVAC needs are in the hands of an American Standard Customer Care dealer, you can rest assured your home will be treated like one of our own.

Why is my air conditioner too small?

An air conditioner that is too small will have to work harder to reach the desired temperature. This overworking will cause part failure long before it should. Improper cooling. If the unit you purchase is the wrong size, it won’t get accurate temperature readings of the cooling space.

What is the BTU rating?

There are three major rating systems when talking about the size of the AC. The BTU rating is most often used for space requirements. The Energy Efficiency rating determines the cost to run the unit, and the tonnage refers to the capacity of the air conditioner.

What does SEER mean on an air conditioner?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a rating of the cooling output capabilities per watt-hour of use. Usually, you will find the SEER on a giant yellow sticker on the air conditioner or packaging. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the machine is.

What is a BTU in air conditioning?

Cooling Capacity (BTUs) You will hear the term BTU often when looking at air conditioners. a BTU is a British Thermal Unit. Essentially it is a measurement of the amount of energy it takes to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water exactly 1 degree (Fahrenheit) at sea level.

What is the most important factor when choosing an air conditioner?

When it comes to finding the best air conditioner, you have many factors to consider. One of the most important is the air conditioner size. This doesn’t mean the actual dimensions of the unit (though that is important, too), but instead refers to the output rating of the machine. A properly sized air conditioner will cool your room, home, ...

What does SEER mean in a car?

When you see the SEER rating, what you are looking at is the maximum energy efficiency of that particular model. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a rating of the cooling output capabilities per watt-hour of use .

How long do air conditioners last?

Many brands and models will last you several years, with central systems and mini-split ACs averaging 20+ years of reliable service.

Why does my air compressor short cycle?

If the system you install is too large for the space, it will short cycle. In other words, the compressor will not run long enough to dehumidify the space and will limit your comfort. In addition, it will cycle on and off more frequently, increasing operating costs and reducing the system life.

Does the manufacturer list the size of an air conditioner?

The manufacturers do not list the air conditioner size on the unit. The system capacity will be coded into the model number of the outdoor unit. For example, model GSX140241K is a 2 ton unit.

STEP 1: Determine how many BTUs of heating and tons of AC you need

The best way to determine the perfect HVAC unit size is to have a Manual J calculation done for your house. The Manual J calculation is the most precise measurement available because it considers factors like:

STEP 2: Decide which unit to buy

Now it’s time to work with an HVAC dealer to learn more about the heating and cooling products they offer. Sometimes the dealer may not have your exact BTU size — but don’t worry. If your BTU requirement is between sizes, simply go with the bigger unit. For example, the Manual J calculation may say you need 25,000 BTUs for cooling.

How many tons of AC should I use for a 600 sq ft house?

In general, you should have approximately 1 ton of ac capacity to cool 600 sq.ft. of area. (600 sq.ft./1 ton). This estimate is most accurate in new construction or newer homes that have proper insulation. In older homes, many factors will skew this estimate, and you may require a larger ac unit size to cool your house, ...

How much does a 5 ton AC unit cost?

5 ton AC unit costs $2,900 – $3,500 ( a 5 ton unit is extremely powerful and is not required for most homes) In general, you can roughly add $400-$700 for each additional ton, as the units go up in size. Residential Central AC systems come in a maximum size of 5-ton.

How much does it cost to install a 2.5 ton central air system?

Before we get into sizing a residential central air unit, lets take a quick look at pricing. On average, homeowners report spending $3,900 – 5,000 to install a 2.5 ton central air system in a house that has functional ductwork.

How to get accurate size for central air?

To get a truly accurate size for central air that will work most efficiently in your house, you need to do a professional load calculation , known as “the Manual J”. Most HVAC installers include it for free as part of their estimate, when they give you the total cost to install central air in your home.

How do AC units save energy?

Today, new air conditioner units are energy efficient. This means that they save energy by running in cycles, which results in your home being cooled at a slow and steady, rather than a rapid pace. Because of this change in how the AC unit operates, its essential to get one that is just the right size for your house.

What happens if your AC unit is too small?

AC unit that is too small 1 Will not keep your house at a comfortably cool temperature on the hottest days 2 Uses a lot of energy 3 Has to run all the time 4 Running all the time instead of cycling will drastically increase your electric bill

Can I use a commercial roof top AC for residential use?

Anything bigger, requires a commercial roof-top AC, which are in most situations not suitable for residential use. Final pricing for central AC also varies based on brand name, as well as other features. Its best to purchase a unit from a well known, reputable manufacturer that offers a very good warranty.