There's no denying that the summers in Southwest Florida can get very hot, and staying cool is essential. Weather Spark states that temperatures in this area can reach as high as 94°F in the summer.

A reliable air conditioning system will help you keep your home comfortable throughout the warmer months. However, it's vital to make sure the AC system you have is right for your home. One of the most important things to consider is what size AC unit you should have in your home.

In this AC unit sizing guide, we'll help you figure out how you can ensure you get the proper AC unit size to efficiently cool your home and keep your family comfortable. Let's dive in.

Why Does AC Size Matter?

The size of your AC unit will determine how effective and efficient it is. People often make the mistake of simply thinking bigger is better. In reality, the best thing to do is determine the most suitable size and get something within that range.

Firstly, a system that's the right size will provide maximum comfort. It will effectively cool your entire home and have an easier time maintaining a stable temperature.

A correctly sized AC system will be more efficient, helping you minimize energy usage. If it's too small, it will have to work much harder to cool your home. Conversely, if it's too large, it may not cycle on and off at the correct rate, resulting in increased energy usage.

Additionally, you'll typically be able to expect a better lifespan from a system that's the right size. It will experience less strain in general, so parts won't wear down as quickly. This also means it will be easier to maintain in general.

How AC Unit Sizing Works

Don't rush your AC unit selection. It's worth taking the time to determine the right size for your home as this will give you the best results in the long run.

It's important to first understand that AC unit size doesn't refer to its physical dimensions. Instead, it's a measurement of its cooling capacity. The unit for this is British thermal units (BTU), though some companies will use British thermal units per hour (BTUh), or tons.

Using these systems, one ton is equivalent to roughly 12,000 BTUs as this is how much heat it removes per hour. In general, an AC unit needs to provide about 20 BTUs per square foot to keep a home at a stable temperature.

Calculating the Correct AC Unit Size

To determine the right size air conditioner for your home, you need to do some calculations. This includes:

• Measuring each room
• Working out your home's square footage
• Calculating the BTUs needed

Start by measuring the length and width of each room. Multiplying these will give you the square footage. You can then add all of these together to get the square footage of your entire home.

To determine the BTUs, you can multiply the square footage by 20. Divide this final value by 12,000 to work out the AC size you need in tons.

You may already know what your home's square footage is. In this case, things will be a bit easier. You can use the sizing below to get an idea of the kind of size AC unit you'll need.

• House size: 600-1,000 square feet; BTU: 18,000 (1.5 tons)
• House size: 1,000-1,500 square feet; BTU: 24,000 (2 tons)
• House size: 1,500-2,000 square feet; BTU: 30,000 (2.5 tons)
• House size: 2,000-2,500 square feet; BTU: 34,000 (3 tons)
• House size: 2,500-3,300 square feet; BTU:  42,000 (3.5 tons)

Bear in mind that the exact size of your home will likely give a very specific result. You'll then need to find an AC unit that's suitably close to this.

Other Factors That Affect AC Size Requirements

While the size of your home is a crucial factor, it's not the only thing to consider when looking for a new AC unit. It's important to take these other factors into account to ensure you get the most suitable system.

Climate

Air conditioners run more frequently in warmer climates such as Southwest Florida. You'll likely use yours more than people in other areas of the country will, and may therefore want to opt for a higher BTU. The team at Powerhouse Home Services is local to Southwest Florida, so we can advise you here.

Insulation

The better insulated your home is, the better it will hold a stable temperature. This means you won't need to rely on an AC system that's overly powerful.

Occupancy

Humans generate more heat than a lot of people realize. If you have a lot of people in your home, a higher BTU rating may be a good idea.

Sun Exposure

Southern-facing homes are more exposed to sunlight, and this can have a big impact on the internal temperature. The thing about how much home your sun gets is that it could affect the AC size you need.

Windows

While some windows offer better insulation than others, large windows typically let quite a lot of heat through. If your home has a lot of large windows, a bigger AC unit may be better. This is especially true if these are south-facing windows.

Home Facade

The color of your home could affect how much heat it absorbs from the sun. A home with dark, dense materials will naturally be warmer, making a larger AC unit more suitable.

Heat Generating Appliances

Various appliances in the home generate heat, such as:

• Washing machines
• Dryers
• Ovens
• Dishwashers

If these get a lot of use in your home, it will typically be warmer, so you may want a more powerful AC system.

What Size AC Unit Do You Need?

By working out the size of your home, you can determine what size AC unit you need. Taking into account various other factors like your insulation and sun exposure will help you size things more accurately.

The experts at Powerhouse Home Services can help guide you to ensure you get an AC system that's right for your home. We have over 30 years of combined experience and serve clients throughout Southwest Florida. Contact us today to discuss your AC needs.