Temperatures can reach extreme levels, particularly in the summer months, which can be unbearable without proper cooling. Ideal Air conditioning helps to maintain a comfortable temperature in homes, offices, and public spaces, which is essential for the health and well-being of residents and visitors.
The size of an Air Conditioner matters because it determines the unit’s cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). The larger the BTU rating, the more cooling power an air conditioner has, and the more space it can cool. In Australia, air conditioning installation is crucial to ensuring efficient cooling, especially in larger spaces or rooms with high ceilings, where a small air conditioner may not be sufficient. Choosing the right size air conditioner for a room or space can also affect energy efficiency and electricity consumption, as an oversized unit may lead to unnecessary energy costs. Therefore, it’s important to select the appropriate size air conditioner for the area to be cooled.
Calculating What Size AC Unit You Need
To calculate the size of the air conditioning (AC) unit you need, you will need to consider several factors including the size of the room or area you want to cool, the location, the number of people who will occupy the space, and the amount of insulation and ventilation available. Here are the steps to follow:
Calculate your square footage.
Cooling a single room is a straightforward process. To determine the square footage of a square or rectangular room, multiply its length by its width. For triangular rooms, divide the result of this calculation by two after adding an extra step (since a non-equilateral triangle is equivalent to half of a square or triangle ).
In the case of more complexly shaped rooms, divide them into smaller squares or triangles, and combine the measurements of each section. If you intend to purchase an air conditioner for your entire home, you must repeat this procedure for each room and sum up the square footage. Be sure to measure only living areas and exclude sections of your home that you do not want to cool.
Multiply your square footage by 20.
Although there are varying viewpoints on the required BTUs per square foot, a suitable estimate is 20. To obtain a rough estimate of the air conditioner capacity you require, multiply your square footage calculation by 20.
Adjust based on the following factors.
Although the calculations made so far have provided a rough estimate of the required BTUs, there are additional factors to consider. Energy Star, a program operated jointly by the Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency, suggests the following guidelines.
- If your home receives significant shading, deduct 10% of the capacity. Alternatively, if your home receives ample sunlight increase your capacity by 10%.
- If your property houses more than two individuals, increase the capacity by 600.
- If you are purchasing an air conditioner exclusively for your kitchen, add 4,000 to the capacity.
Find an air conditioner that offers the capacity you need based on your calculations.
After determining the required number of BTUs to cool the designated area, the next step is to acquire an air conditioner that can meet that demand. It is recommended to have professionals install the air conditioner as they can determine the optimal placement for it.
What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need For My House?
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Common Misconceptions
Air conditioners are intricate machines, and selecting the appropriate capacity necessitates effort and at least a basic comprehension of concepts such as BTUs. As a result, a few misconceptions have arisen as individuals seek shortcuts and simpler ways to address the topic. Here are the two primary ones.
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A Larger Air Conditioner Cannot Be Harmful
The rationale behind this misunderstanding is straightforward. Some people believe that buying an air conditioner that is larger than necessary will result in the unit operating less frequently, conserving electricity, and cooling your home more quickly. However, this is not true.
As we discussed in this article, oversized air conditioners may operate intermittently and cause your home’s humidity to become unbalanced, negatively impacting your energy consumption and comfort. The irregular operation will also cause your air conditioner’s components to wear out more quickly than usual.
Furthermore, it is essential to remember that capacity is a significant factor in determining the cost of an air conditioner. Choosing an oversized unit will result in unnecessary expenses.
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An Undersized Air Conditioner Will Save You Money
Conversely, individuals residing in moderate climates may mistakenly assume that purchasing an undersized air conditioner will be sufficient for their requirements. They may be attempting to reduce expenses and/or keep energy consumption to a minimum.
However, the opposite is true; undersized air conditioners must operate for an extended period. It is preferable to acquire a correctly sized unit and set it to operate at a lower temperature if necessary. To learn how much an air conditioner can cool, please refer to our other article.
Call us at Wtfix Air – for air conditioner installation of all Types and Brands.
Wtfixair can always be relied upon to provide prompt and efficient service at affordable rates, with a focus on professionalism. Our team utilizes top-of-the-line diagnostic tools to quickly identify and repair any issues with your split air conditioning system. We offer 24/7 emergency service to all of our clients without any additional travel charges and ensure that only licensed professionals handle the job. Additionally, we offer personalized service plans tailored to suit each customer’s preferences, as well as attractive discounts on all of our services.
Contact Wtfixair based in Victoria, 3072, Australia, as it provides Professional Air Conditioner Services to Adelaide, Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Queensland, Sydney, and Tasmania. Get a Free Estimate for a New AC Installation, Cleaning, or other Upkeep services by Scheduling Your Service Call today at (1300) 019 320, or mail us at info@wtfixair.com.au.
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