What size air conditioner is right for my home?

Air conditioning can keep you comfortable on even the hottest days of summer. It can also help you sleep better at night when the temperature just doesn’t drop enough to allow you to open up your windows for fresh air. Whether you’re choosing the right air conditioner when it’s time for an upgrade or you’re building a new home, choosing the right size air conditioner can be tricky. 

The good news is that getting an air conditioner that’s the right size for your home isn’t exactly rocket science. Use this guide to learn more about picking an air conditioner for your home that’s not underpowered or oversized.

What’s Your Local Weather Like?

Almost all regions require air conditioning, and in most parts, you’ll be using yours often throughout the spring and summer seasons. The climate in your area does play an important role in choosing the right air conditioner for your house though.

Very hot areas, commonly referred to as zone 1 and zone 2 areas require air conditioner units with more power. Zone 3 and zone 4 areas require less powerful units. Zone 5 areas tend to utilize the least cooling, allowing residents of these places to purchases smaller, less powerful air conditioner units.

Finding your zone is a great start when it comes to learning about your general air conditioning needs.

How Big is Your House?

The zone you live in and how hot the weather is likely to get in the summer (which in Florida, will obviously be very hot) is an important factor when choosing an air conditioner. Considering the size of your home is also essential to avoid picking an undersized or oversized A/C unit.

In general, the hotter the climate and the larger the home the bigger the A/C unit will need to be. For example, in a zone 1, or very hot area, you may need a 2.5-ton A/C unit for a 1,200 to 1,500 square foot home. This same air conditioning unit would be large enough for a 1,400 to 1,650 square foot home in a cooler zone 5 region.

Hire Professionals

Figuring out what size air conditioner you should buy to replace an older model or outfit a new home can be tricky. That’s why it’s important to get professionals involved from the beginning – even if you’re just still shopping around and comparing prices.

When you work with professionals who can help you install your air conditioner, they’ll be able to guide you toward a powerful model that’s big enough for your home without being wasteful. Buying a bigger air conditioner might seem better since it can always keep your home cool, but oversized models are often inefficient. They’ll also cost you more in the long run.

Take your time when shopping for an air conditioning unit for your home and really do your research. Work with professionals and check reviews before installing an air conditioning unit. After all, you’re going to have an A/C unit for many years to come since they’re a big investment. Contact the A/C experts at Snyder Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more installing a new A/C and get a quote.