Things to Consider When Sizing an Air Conditioner

Posted on April 15th, 2016 by Devine Bros

If you are purchasing a new air conditioner for your home, there are many things you must take into consideration. One of the most important factors is the size, or cooling capacity, of your new system. Measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), the cooling capacity of an air conditioner measures how much cold air it can produce, and thus how quickly and effectively it can cool your home.

When sizing an air conditioner, you have to consider more than just the square footage of your home. Here are a few other factors that could impact the size that you need.

Insulation

Is your home well-insulated, or does it have several air leaks? This is something you will need to consider. A well-insulated home loses less air, meaning you won’t need as powerful of a system to keep cool.

Windows

The number of windows in your home, and the direction which they face can both impact your A/C sizing needs. More windows means more sunlight entering your home and making it warmer, especially if they face south.

Climate

What kind of climate do you live in? A home in Arizona, for example, will need significantly more BTUs to keep cool than an identical home in Michigan.

Personal Preference

How cool do you like to keep your house during the summer months? Your personal preference has a large impact on the size of your cooling system. For instance, keeping a 3,000 square foot house just five degrees colder requires 15% more BTUs.

For more information about air conditioner sizing, check out this free online BTU calculator.

Purchasing an air conditioner for your Connecticut home? Let the cooling experts at Devine Bros. install it! If you live in Norwalk, Westport, New Canaan, or the surrounding area, trust us with all of your cooling needs! Call us for a free air conditioning consultation at (203) 866-4421.