If you're in the market for a new air conditioner, it's essential to choose the right size. An air conditioner that’s too small won't cool the space effectively and will wear out quickly from running constantly. A unit that’s too big will constantly turn on and off, wearing out the mechanisms. An experienced HVAC contractor will help you choose the right size unit for your home and needs.

Factors That Affect Your Air Conditioner

The Size of Your Home

First, determine which area your unit will cool. For central air conditioning, this is the whole home; for a wall unit, it’s one or two rooms. Next, measure the square footage of the rooms that’ll be cooled. This will help you determine the British thermal unit (BTU) rating to start with.

For a space of 100 to 150 square feet, 5000 BTUs is a proper starting point. For spaces up to 250 square feet, choose 6000 BTUs, and for larger areas, add another 1000 BTUs for every 50 additional square feet.

Other Variables

This BTU number is only a starting point and will need adjustment based on your home's characteristics. For example, if you have high ceilings, that means there’s more air to cool in each room, so you'll need a powerful air conditioner. If you cook frequently, your home will grow warmer, and you'll need more cooling power. Your HVAC contractor will help you identify the factors that’ll adjust your final number up or down.

Once you've decided on the size of unit you need, schedule air conditioning installation with the HVAC contractors at American Air Conditioning in Honolulu, HI. Serving the island of Oahu for over 30 years, their experienced and knowledgeable team offers a full range of air conditioning options at affordable prices from top brands like Mitsubishi Electric© and Friedrich©. To get an estimate on installation, call (808) 847-0851 or send a message online to speak with an HVAC contractor about your home’s needs.