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.
What size air conditioner do I need for 12000 square feet?
45,000 / 12,000 = 3.75. 3.75 – 1.0 = 2.75 So you'd need a 2.5 or a 3-ton sized central air conditioning unit.
What size a/C unit do I need for my home?
A unit that is above 5 tons is considered commercial size and these large units are actually not available for home installation. If your house actually requires a unit that is over 5 tons, your HVAC contractor will install two units to match your home’s cooling needs.
Should you measure square footage when buying an air conditioner?
If you’re buying an air conditioner to cool your entire home, you’ll need to repeat this process for each room then add the square footage together. Remember to only measure living spaces and exclude areas of your home you’re not looking to cool.
How many tons is a residential air conditioner?
Residential ACs range from 1 to 5 tons, increasing in half-ton increments. For the visual learners and those that just want to see how it all works together, let’s put the ratings in a handy chart.
What size AC do I need for 1700 sq ft?
Furnace and Air Conditioner size for a detached 2-storey homeHouse square footage *Furnace Output [BTU/hr]Air Conditioner size [ton]up to 1300 sq ft40,000 BTU/hrup to 2 ton1300 to 1700 sq ft45,000 BTU/hr2 ton1700 to 2500 sq ft55,000 BTU/hr2.5 ton2500 to 3500 sq ftup to 65,000 BTU/hr3 to 3.5 ton3 more rows•May 26, 2017
What size AC do I need for 1800 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 ton air conditioner do you need for a 1600 square foot house?
4.0 tonsAssuming the minimum cooling capacity of 400 square feet per ton for your HVAC unit, a 1600 square foot home will require 4.0 tons of air conditioning to cool. Your HVAC unit will need to remove about 4.0 x 12,000 BTUs, or 48,000 BTUs, per hour to keep your home cool.
How many BTU is 1700 square feet?
34,000 BTUFor 8,000 – 15,000 BTU, the most appropriate AC units are portable air conditioners....How Many BTU To Cool 100 to 5,000 Sq Ft (Table)Square FootageBTU CapacityHow many BTUs for 1700 square feet?34,000 BTU21 more rows
How many sq ft will a 3 ton AC cool?
1,800 square feetHow 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 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.
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.
How much is a 3 ton AC unit?
around $3,400 to $3,700A 3-ton AC unit cost runs homeowner around $3,400 to $3,700.
How much does a 4.5 ton AC unit cost?
Comparison Of Central Air Brands (Followed By Short Reviews)Central AC BrandCapacityInstalled Cost1. Goodman2-5 ton$3,100 – $6,6002. Trane2-4.5 ton$5,500 – $13,0003. Rheem2-5 ton$3,900 – $6,4004. Daikin0.75-4.5 ton$2,400 – $7,2005 more rows
What size AC do I need for 1500 square feet?
As a rule of thumb, you need 30,000 BTU for 1,500 square feet. So, you need a 2.5 Tons air conditioner for a 1,500 square feet room. If your room is below 1,500 square feet but more than 1,200 square feet, you can use a 2 Tons air conditioner. A 2.5 Tons air conditioner can be used up to 2,000 square feet.
How many BTU do I need for a 2000 square foot house?
An average 2,000-square foot home will need between 80,000 and 115,000 BTUs to heat efficiently.
How do I calculate what size air conditioner I need?
To calculate the size of the air conditioner you need for a room, first, multiply the length of the room with its width. Then multiply it with 25 BTU to get the ample cooling for the room under different weather conditions. For example, if the room is 15 feet long and 12 feet wide, it comes to 180 square feet.
Is a bigger air conditioner better?
In short, no. Bigger air conditioners may have been a better option 30 or more years ago. However, now with modern technologies, the energy efficie...
How many square feet will a 3 ton AC cool?
There are too many factors to consider to give an answer based only on square footage. You need to account for climate, temperature and humidity le...
What other considerations are there in very hot climates?
When calculating for air conditioner size in very hot climates, you need to account more for insulation, duration of runtime (in months, as the hot...
What other considerations are there in humid climates?
In humid climates, you need to ensure the system size can handle the moisture collection. High humidity lowers the system's efficiency rating and f...
What other considerations are there in colder climates?
Colder climates actually have the biggest worries. Systems that don’t often run or for long periods are susceptible to a lot of damage. Mostly due...
Do the same methods apply for RV air conditioners?
RVs have a few different AC model types that they can utilize, though central and mini split systems are not among them. RVs are a specialized syst...
Do the same methods apply for sizing mobile homes?
When sizing for a mobile home, the same factors do apply. However, you also need to add more emphasis on insulation and airflow concerns. In genera...
How does one ensure peak performance for these air conditioners?
The biggest factor for a decreased performance and efficiency is lack of maintenance and cleaning. To keep your system working at its peak performa...
Table of Contents
Click on the below link to jump to your preferred section on this page.
Common Residential Air Conditioner Sizes
Below is a table of common residential air conditioner sizes in 4 different units of measurement for cooling capacity (BTU, Ton, HP and kW). These different units of measurement don’t translate mathematically. They are listed based on commonly available sizes. Hence, you should not use this table for unit conversion.
Common Central Air Conditioner Sizes
Below is a table of common central air conditioner sizes in 4 different units of measurements for cooling capacity (BTU, Ton, HP and kW). Again, these different units of measurement don’t translate mathematically. They are listed based on commonly available sizes. Hence, you also should not use this table for unit conversion.
Room Air Conditioner Sizing Chart by Room Size
Below is a room air conditioner sizing chart by room size. The air conditioner sizes (BTU & Ton) are rounded to the actual common air conditioner sizes rather than just the result of the calculated cooling capacity. Hence, you can conveniently match the exact air conditioner based on your room size.
Room Air Conditioner Sizing Chart for Bedrooms
Below is a room air conditioner sizing chart for bedrooms. The air conditioner sizes (BTU) are rounded to the actual common air conditioner sizes rather than just the result of the calculated cooling capacity. Hence, you can conveniently match the exact air conditioner based on your bedroom size.
Room Air Conditioner Sizing Chart by Room Type
Below is a room air conditioner sizing chart by room type. The air conditioner sizes (BTU) are rounded to the actual common air conditioner sizes rather than just the result of the calculated cooling capacity. Hence, you can conveniently match the exact air conditioner based on your type of room and its respective square footage.
Air Conditioning Sizing Chart by Total Square Footage
Below is an air conditioner sizing chart by total square footage. The air conditioner sizes (BTU & Ton) are rounded to the actual common air conditioner sizes rather than just the result of the calculated cooling capacity. Hence, you can conveniently match the exact air conditioner based on the square footage of any room, house or home.
What happens if you choose a small air conditioner?
Overworking the unit. An air conditioner that is too small will have to work harder to reach the desired temperature.
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, ...
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.
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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.