Sizing your air conditioner is an important step for any home owner. If you purchase a unit that is too large, it will not be efficient and constantly be turning on and off. However, too small of a unit will constantly run and may never reach a comfortable level. All air conditioning units are measured in BTUs. Your job is to determine how many BTUs are right for your needs.
Instructions
1. Look at the previous air conditioner your home used. This is the simplest and, some might say, the most accurate, since it was previously working in your home. Go outside and locate the fan unit. Normally, this will tell you precisely how many BTUs it uses, and you can purchase one of the same size.
2. Inspect the air conditioning units of similarly sized homes in your neighborhood. You may be able to get your neighbors to let you see their air conditioner. This is by no means an exact way to size your air conditioner. However, it may work if you are in a pinch and cannot perform some of the steps below.
3. Measure the square footage in your home for a more precise estimate. There are two factors that people use to determine unit size: climate and square footage. Simply multiply the length of the room or rooms you are cooling by the length for the solution.
4. Use a BTU estimating tool like the one in the Resources section to determine how many BTUs are right for your home. It will not be precise measurement, but will be quite accurate.
5. Find a website that offers a Manual J Load Calculation for a professional estimate of your air conditioner size. The same website mentioned in the Resources section will also take you to a link for this method. However, this is a more intense calculation and may require that you pay a fee to use.
