what size air conditioner do I need for my house

HVAC

The answer to 'what size air conditioner do I need for my house' is that the size of the air conditioner you need depends on the square footage of your home, the climate, and the insulation and efficiency of your home. As a general rule, you'll need about 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of cooling capacity per square foot of living space. So a 2,000 square foot home would typically need a 40,000 BTU air conditioner.

However, it's important to get an accurate calculation from a professional HVAC technician, as there are many other factors that can affect the right size, such as ceiling height, number of windows, shade, and insulation. Oversizing or undersizing an AC unit can lead to inefficiency, uneven cooling, and higher energy bills.

Sources

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ENERGY STARauthority
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HVAC.comguide

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1

    Schedule a professional assessment

    Before purchasing a new AC unit, have an HVAC technician visit your home to evaluate your cooling needs and recommend the right size and type of system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need to replace my air conditioner?

Signs you may need a new AC unit include your system being over 10 years old, frequent repairs, uneven cooling, high energy bills, and difficulty maintaining a comfortable temperature.

Can I install a new air conditioner myself?

While some basic AC maintenance and minor repairs can be done DIY, it's generally best to have a licensed HVAC technician install a new air conditioning system to ensure it's properly sized and installed for maximum efficiency and safety.

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