As an HVAC expert with years of experience, I have seen many homeowners make the mistake of choosing the wrong size air conditioner for their home. Many people believe that the size of their home is the only factor to consider when selecting an air conditioning unit. However, this is far from the truth. First and foremost, it's important to understand that smaller houses are easier to cool. The recommended capacity for a house between 1,201 and 1,500 square feet is 2.5 tons.
For a 1,501 to 1,800 house, the recommended capacity is 3 tons. And for a 2,000 square foot home, the best air conditioning capacity is 3.5 tons. This is because smaller homes have less space to cool and therefore require a smaller unit. On the other hand, larger homes are more expensive to cool and will require a larger unit. For example, a 3,000 square foot home would need a 5-ton unit to effectively cool the space.
However, it's important to note that simply basing the size of an air conditioner on square footage alone is not enough. If your house has two floors, the second floor acts as additional insulation and places a lower load on the ground floor system. This means that you may not need as large of an air conditioner as you would for a single-story home of the same size. Additionally, factors such as insulation and window quality also play a significant role in determining the appropriate size of an air conditioner for your home. This is why at Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we take a detailed approach to determine the right size air conditioner for your home in Waterford, MI or Oxford, MI. We consider all factors, including square footage, insulation, and window quality, to ensure that you have the most efficient and effective unit for your space. So how do we determine the correct size of an air conditioner? We use a calculation called the residential load, which measures how much heat the system can remove from your home in one hour.
This measurement is what determines the tonnage of an air conditioner. It's important to choose the right tonnage for your air conditioning unit to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. The less insulation and more windows in your home, the more likely you are to experience greater air and heat loss. This is why bigger isn't always better when it comes to HVAC systems. To help you get a better idea of the appropriate size of an air conditioner for your home, we have provided a size chart below. Keep in mind that this is just a general guide and it's always best to consult with a professional before making a decision.
Air Conditioner Size Chart
| Home Size (Square Feet) | AC Capacity (Tons) |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 | 2.5 |
| 1,501 - 1,800 | 3 |
| 1,801 - 2,000 | 3.5 |
| 2,001 - 2,500 | 4 |
| 2,501 - 3,000 | 5 |
The truth is, selecting the appropriate size of an air conditioner is not a simple task and requires expertise and knowledge. For example, when considering what size air conditioner is needed for a 2,000 square foot home, you may think that a 3-ton unit is the best choice. However, this may not be the case depending on the climate you live in. A professional can take into account all factors and recommend the most suitable unit for your specific needs. In conclusion, the size of an air conditioner plays a crucial role in the comfort and efficiency of your home. It's important to consider all factors, not just square footage, when selecting the appropriate unit.
And when in doubt, always consult with a professional to ensure that you have the best air conditioning system for your home.