Choosing the right-sized air conditioner isn’t just about keeping your home as cool as possible, it’s also about comfort and efficiency. One of the most common questions we get here at TemperaturePro is “What size AC unit do I need?” and the answer isn’t always a simple one! Fortunately, we’re here to break it down so you can make an informed decision for your home.
Why AC Unit Size Matters
If your AC unit is too small, it will struggle to keep your home cool and end up running almost constantly. This wastes energy and will quickly drive up your energy bill into unreasonable territory. On the other hand, if it’s too large, it will cycle on and off too frequently, resulting in inconsistent temperatures, inadequate humidity control, and excessive wear and tear. The correctly sized AC unit will cool your home evenly and steadily, allowing you to enjoy consistent temperatures without increasing your bills.
So, How Can I Tell What Size AC I Need?
The basics:
AC units are measured in tons, referring to how much heat they are able to remove from a given space per hour. One ton is equal to 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour.
The general rule for sizing is that 1 ton is good for 600-800 square feet of cooling for most homes found in Central Texas. However, the square footage of your home alone doesn’t give you the full picture.
Factors That Affect the Size of Your AC Unit:
Several factors other than overall square footage can influence how big or small your AC unit should be, for example:
- Ceiling height
- Number and size of windows
- Insulation quality
- Sun exposure and shade
- Number of occupants
- Heat-generating appliances
A two-story home in Round Rock with large west-facing windows, for example, will require a larger system than a shaded single-story home of the same size.
Why You Should Avoid One-Size-Fits-All Rules
While it can seem simple to get online and find a simple calculator or chart to answer the question “What size AC unit do I need?”, we do not recommend using them as those tools often ignore factors like the local climate and any unique features of your home.
Instead, professionals like our expert TemperaturePro team use more precise calculations that take into account every variable, such as the home’s square footage, layout, materials, and much more, to provide accurate sizing recommendations that will effectively keep your home cool.
You can use systems such as Manual J Load Calculations, but the safest bet is to give us a call at 512-580-8270 or schedule an appointment online and let us help you make the right decision the first time.
Texas Climate Considerations
Living in Central Texas means dealing with long, sometimes excruciatingly hot summers and regular humidity spikes. That’s why selecting the correct AC size is even more important here than in states with milder weather. An improperly sized AC unit in Texas can easily lead to high energy bills and a miserable home during the peak summer months.
Contact TemperaturePro Round Rock today for a free in-home estimate and personalized cooling solution. Your comfort is our priority, especially when the Texas heat starts to turn up.
