What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need for My Home?

May 5, 2021
AC Unit in Raceland, Lousiana

The sweltering summertime heat and humidity in Raceland, LA, means you need an effective air conditioning system in your home. If you’ve made some changes to your house, such as adding insulation, putting on an addition, or finishing an attic, you might need a different size of air conditioner than you had before. If you’re installing central air conditioning for the first time, you may also wonder what size of unit is right. Keep reading for some tips about selecting the right-sized cooling system for your home.

Determine Your Home’s Square Footage

In sub-tropical climates like that of Raceland, you’ll need a lot of cooling power. Your house will require at least 20 British thermal units of cooling power per square foot. For example, a 2,000-square-foot home will need about 40,000 BTUs of cooling power.

You may be able to find your house’s square footage if you still have its blueprints. The county auditor or planner’s database may also have this information. You can approximate your property’s square footage by multiplying its length by its width. Do this for each room, and then add up the total. Another option is to measure the length and width of your house’s perimeter.

Consider Your Home’s Features

Certain features of your home may increase its need for cooling. For example, if your house has a two-story great room with a lot of large windows, you’ll need an air conditioning system with more cooling power. If your residence has single-pane windows, a low level of insulation, or a lot of direct sunlight exposure, you’ll also need more cooling power. Our technicians offer cooling load calculations when you’re ready to buy a cooling system.

Guidry's Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc is a trusted air conditioning installation team in Raceland. We’re also available for heating system installation and heating and cooling maintenance and repair. Our energy audits, indoor air quality, water heater, and refrigeration services will keep your home comfortable, healthy, and efficient. For more tips about choosing the right size of air conditioning system, contact us at Guidry's Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc today.

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