How Do I Know What Size Air Conditioner I Need For My House?

When buying a new air conditioning system, it is important to determine the right size of AC unit needed to efficiently cool the home. An AC unit’s cooling capacity is measured in tons based on how many British Thermal Units (BTU) it can remove within an hour. Home air conditioners generally start at 1.5 tons and go up in half-ton increments. Here are some general guidelines to estimate the unit size needed, although every home is unique and factors such as the number and size of windows, insulation, and exposure to sunlight will influence the unit size. An energy management consultant should complete a professional evaluation to accurately estimate the appropriate size of the air conditioning unit.