When buying an air conditioning unit for your home, you need to consider the size of the space. The correct size of the AC unit will ensure a comfortable cooling system for your home. The cooling capacity of the air conditioner is measured in BTUh (British Thermal Units), while the energy efficiency is expressed in SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The SER rating is similar to the miles per gallon rating for a car.
You can use an online calculator or consult an HVAC contractor to calculate the appropriate size for your home. There are several factors that impact the size of your unit, including ductwork quality, insulation, number of windows, and more. There are also several BTU calculators that can be used to determine the correct size for your home. These calculators require you to enter information such as your home’s square footage and ceiling height, as well as the lowest temperature outside. However, these calculators are less accurate than the square footage calculator, as they do not account for ductwork quality.
You can also perform an energy audit to determine the right size AC unit for your home. Many utility companies offer energy audits for free. Or, you can hire an energy auditor to do a complete energy audit. This method is accurate and takes into account your home’s climate and environment, giving accurate recommendations for the size of your AC.