How Big of an Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Picking the right air conditioner for your home

No matter where you live, almost everyone needs an air conditioner to get through the summer heat. And since we’re starting to see warmer weather more regularly, it’s a good idea to consider if your AC can handle your cooling needs for the upcoming season. But you might wonder, “how big of an air conditioner do I need?” or “is my current AC big enough for my home?” 

These are great questions to ask yourself, especially before the high summer temperatures arrive. There are many things to contemplate when purchasing, updating or performing maintenance on your air conditioner to ensure it is performing at peak levels. Here’s how to answer “how big of an air conditioner do I need?” and what steps to take to ensure your AC runs efficiently all year long.

Measure the square footage of your home

There are a few ways to answer the question, “how big of an air conditioner do I need?” But the best way is to measure the square footage of your home. Once you have a clear number showing how much square footage you need to cool, you can find an AC system that supports your needs. 

A general rule of thumb is each square foot of space requires 20 BTU (British Thermal Units) for effective air conditioning. Most air conditioner units range between 5,000 to 12,500 BTU. So if you’re asking yourself how big of an air conditioner do I need, you can calculate the square footage against the BTU of an AC unit.

How Big Of An Air Conditioner Do I Need?

If you only need one air conditioner, you’ll likely only need one that uses 12,500 BTU or less. But if you need more than one air conditioner, that may change how powerful they are.

For example, a bedroom between 300-400 square feet will need around 6,500-8500 BTU to stay cool. So, if you have a larger home that’s open concept, you might need more than one central AC unit to keep the entire house cool. If you have a smaller home, you’ll only need one to stay comfortable during the hot summer weather.

Calculating this ahead of time helps you pick an effective air conditioner that can keep you cool while still being energy efficient. With that in mind, this isn’t the only factor to consider when answering the question: how big of an air conditioner do I need?

Consider How Many Floors Are In Your Home

One-level or ranch-style homes are typically easier to cool because the entire house is just one level. But if you have multiple floors that need to stay cool, including attics or basements, your ventilation system might need a bit more support.

When asking yourself how big of an air conditioner do I need, it’s essential to examine your layout and how an AC unit will perform if the air needs to go to other levels. Some air conditioners do better than others, especially when forcing air into a basement or second floor. For this reason, it’s best to partner with a professional to create the most effective ventilation layout, especially if your home has more than one floor.

Another vital thing to remember is the humidity, especially in the hot summer months. If your climate tends to experience a lot of humidity, look for an air conditioner with dehumidifying features, too. This will change what you’re looking for when answering “how big of an air conditioner do I need?”

Installation: Hire A Professional Or Install Yourself?

Many DIY-loving folks claim you can install a central air conditioning unit by yourself. However, much like answering the question of how big of an air conditioner do I need, it’s best to use a professional.

Suppose your home has multiple levels, an open-concept layout and a basement or an attic. Certainly, in that case, it’s best to ask a professional HVAC contractor to come to install a central air conditioner unit for you. While professional installation may cost a bit more than the DIY route, you’ll save money in the long run by having it installed properly.

Not only that but establishing a connection with a reliable HVAC company ensures you have support throughout the life of your air conditioner. And a good HVAC contractor can answer “how big of an air conditioner do I need?” as well as tell when you need to service your air conditioner.

Keep Your Ducts And Vents Clean

It’s great to purchase a top-of-the-line air conditioner for your home. But if you’re asking how big of an air conditioner do I need, you should also ask if your ventilation system allows your air conditioner to perform at its best. By reviewing your ventilation and ductwork, you can ensure the cool air reaches every room of the house. 

For example, if excess grime, dirt and debris block your air ducts and vents, your air conditioner will have to work overtime to perform at normal levels. If poor performance is forcing you to ask “how big of an air conditioner do I need?” examine your air ducts and vents to see if they are dusty or clogged, and remove any blockages. You should also request a professional cleaner to come to clean your vents and ducts, especially since they can reach spots you can’t see.

It’s best to clean your air conditioner, air ducts and air vents at least twice a year. Preferably once in the spring to clean out any winter debris and then again in the fall to clean out pollen or dust from the summer.

To Sum Up

There are a lot of things to think about when asking yourself, “how big of an air conditioner do I need?” It’s a complicated answer and depends on many aspects. The right air conditioner for your home will depend on the size of the unit, the number of AC units needed and the layout of your ventilation system. 

However, hiring an HVAC professional to help with your air conditioning needs will save you time and money in the long run. And they can answer “how big of an air conditioner do I need?” as well as many other questions.

At Crystal Clean Vents, we work hard to keep our client’s ventilation and air ducts clean. Our mission is to ensure your ventilation system is effective, keeping you cool while saving you money. Our highly-trained technicians can review your ventilation system and check for any blockages or problems hindering your AC unit’s performance. 

Contact us today if you’d like to hear more about our many air duct and ventilation cleaning services. We’d love to help you keep your home clean and comfortable throughout the year.