How Do I Know What Size Air Conditioner To Get?
Choosing the correct sized air conditioning on the Sunshine Coast is important for efficient cooling and cost-effective operation.
Whether you are installing a new unit or upgrading an older one, it can feel confusing. However, the team at Davies Refrigeration and Air Conditioning is here to make the calculations simple.
How To Choose The Right Size Air Conditioner Unit For Your Home
Get The Right Size For Your Space
When the thermometer reads 40° or even higher, you may feel like opting for the largest system available. However, a unit that is too large will cool the room too fast and turn off mid-cycle, then restart when the temperature rises again. This continual on/off pattern increases power usage and can shorten the lifespan of the unit.
A unit that is too small for the required space will not be able to reach the desired temperature efficiently and you will find that it needs to run at full power constantly.
This increases running costs and can cause the unit to wear out more quickly.
Understanding How Air Conditioning Is Measured?
The first step is to understand what number is important when choosing your new AC unit. In Australia, the output is noted in kilowatts or kW. This is a measure of the amount of electricity used, and 1 kilowatt is 1000 watts. Most domestic air conditioning units range between 2 and 10kW.
When considering the capacity your air conditioner needs, calculate the size of the area you need to be cooled.
Measure the length and width of the rooms you intend to have serviced by the unit. Then multiply the length by the width to obtain the area in square metres.
For example, a 4m x 5m bedroom would be calculated as 4x5 = 20m².
If you are planning to cool multiple rooms, you will need the total area of all the rooms.
For example, a 6m x 6m lounge attached to a 4m x 3m dining room would be calculated as 6x6 = 36m² and 4x3 = 12m² which is 36 + 12 = 48m².
Use a Sizing Guide
Once you have calculated the area you need to be cooled, it’s time to decide what size your unit should be. You can estimate this yourself, or try an online calculation guide.
As a general rule, approximate sizing follows:
- 2 - 2.5 kW: up to 20m²
- 2.5 - 5 kW: up to 40m²
- 4 - 6 kW: up to 60m²
- 7 - 10 kW: 60m² and over
When calculating yourself, you need 120 to 150 watts per square metre of floor space. You then need to divide the answer by 1000 to establish the correct kW.
For example:
- 20m² x 150 watts = 3000 watts or 3kW.
- 48m² x 120 watts = 5,760 watts or 5.8kW.
Factors such as the age and location of the house, lighting, insulation, ceiling height and room furnishings including curtains may all vary the requirements. A professional measure and inspection is the best way to accurately determine your needs.
At Davies Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, we’ll help you find the right size air conditioning to suit both your needs and budget. Our expert technicians can help guide you through any questions you have including the most energy-efficient options and whether split system air conditioning or ducted air conditioning is best for your home.
Keep your cool with Davies Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
With over 25 years of experience in supplying Sunshine Coast homes and businesses with air conditioning and refrigeration needs, our expert team is here to offer affordable and effective solutions including 24-hour emergency support.
Contact us today for a free quote or phone on 0412 846 854.
For more helpful information on air conditioning installation, read our previous blog on the Best Place To Install A Split System Air Conditioner.
