Finding the right size air conditioner for your space is crucial for comfort and energy efficiency. But how do you determine what’s appropriate for your needs? Whether you’re in Brisbane or anywhere in South East Queensland, understanding the essentials of HVAC can help you make an informed decision. In sunny Brisbane, HVAC systems often work overtime to keep temperatures comfortable, making it essential to select the right unit and invest in regular HVAC maintenance.
When it comes to commercial spaces, the stakes are even higher. Selecting the right commercial air conditioning system is not only about comfort but also about productivity. The last thing you want is for employees or customers to be sweltering in the heat, or shivering in the cold. At Air-rite Solutions, we provide commercial air conditioning services that offers a range of solutions tailored to different spaces and needs.
HVAC repair is another aspect you can’t overlook. A poorly maintained system won’t just compromise comfort; it can lead to higher energy costs and reduce the lifespan of your unit. Regular HVAC maintenance is vital to ensure your system runs optimally. Scheduled inspections can catch issues before they become significant problems, saving you both time and money in the long run.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to determine the size of the air conditioner you’ll need for your space. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to beat the Brisbane heat or a business owner in need of reliable commercial air conditioning service, this article is your go-to resource. So, before you crank up that AC, take a moment to read on and ensure you’re making the smartest choice for your cooling needs.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing an Air Conditioner
Here’s the first factor – decide whether you would like to cool down the entire house or just one room. This will help you determine the type of air conditioner you need.
Another important factor is price. Think about your budget and what you can afford.
When you are thinking about size, there’s a golden rule to aircons – bigger is not always better. If you purchase an air conditioner that is too big for your home or room, it will be a huge energy waste AND your electricity bill will suffer as well.
Types of Air Conditioners
There are several types of air conditioners:
- The central air conditioner is great if you want to cool down your entire home
- Split systems are used for cooling down one room
- Evaporative cooling is convenient for warm and extremely dry climate
- HVAC system (you can usually ignore this type as they are are usually for commercial air conditioning purposes)
Factors That Determine Time required to Cool Down a House
When you have decided on the type of air conditioner, there are several other factors that determine how much time it takes to cool down the desired area:
- Insulation of the house—it takes less time to cool down an insulated home
- The age of the house/ building—younger homes get cooled down much easier
- Windows—smaller window area means better cooling
- Outside temperature—obviously, the higher temperature outside means higher temperature inside as well
How to Determine What Size is the Best for Your Room
First, you will have to calculate the square footage of the area that needs to be cooled down. This is pretty simple—multiply the length of one wall with the length of the other.
There are many tables online that will give you the info regarding the air conditioner capacity needed to cool down a specific square footage.
For example, if you need to cool down 200 square feet, you will need an aircon whose capacity is 6,000 BTUs. Here are several more examples:
| Square feet | Capacity needed (BTUs) |
| 100-150 | 5,000 |
| 150-250 | 6,000 |
| 250-300 | 7,000 |
| 300-350 | 8,000 |
| 350-400 | 9,000 |
How to Increase the Efficiency of an Air Conditioner
- Do not leave doors or windows open
- Maintain your air conditioner according to recommendations of the manufacturer (washing the filter, for instance)
- Do the regular maintenance by a licensed professional before cooling season
- If possible, insulate your home
If you have any doubts or questions about the type or model of air conditioner you should get, do not hesitate to contact our team of trained professionals.
