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What Size of Air Conditioner Do I Need?

A new AC unit outside a Concord home.

Air conditioners in Charlotte and the surrounding areas not only come in different types, but they come in different sizes, too. In general, larger spaces require larger air conditioners. However, just going up in size may not achieve the results you’ve been hoping for. You may also need to install more than one AC unit to effectively cool your home.

Tired of your AC ineffectively cooling your home, or of calling for AC repair in Charlotte, NC every summer? Our air conditioning experts can help you find an optimally-sized air conditioner for your house. Here are the principles we use to do that. 

How Big of an Air Conditioner Do I Need?

For a Charlotte AC installation, you want an air conditioner that is big enough to cool your home without being too big. Sure, larger units cool faster, but they don’t remove as much humidity from your air. This is a key function of air conditioning that many people aren’t aware of. If the unit cools your home too fast, it won’t run long enough to also dehumidify.

On the other hand, you don’t want a unit that’s too small because it will run all the time and drive your electricity bill sky-high. It might be cheaper to buy but it certainly won’t be cheaper to run!

What Size Central Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Multiply the square footage of your home (or the square footage that this air conditioner will be responsible for cooling) by 25 and that’s how many BTUs you need. BTUs measure the cooling power of an air conditioner and all units coming from respectable manufacturers will have this number listed for each unit. If you can’t find one that matches your BTU number exactly, find the nearest match. 

What Size Window Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Window air conditioners also have their power measured in BTUs. Take the square footage of the area that the air conditioner will cool and multiply it by 25. Then find a window unit powerful enough to cool that room. 

Charlotte AC Installation from Chad Love Services

If you’re not sure what size air conditioner you need or you want some help selecting the best one, contact us at Chad Love Services today. We’ll send out a Charlotte AC expert to help you with your air conditioning replacement or installation in Charlotte, Concord, and the surrounding areas. Make your appointment today!

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