Need help with your air conditioning system? Topline Heating & Air is here to help! Call 717-628-6825 today!
A correctly sized air conditioner can make all the difference when cooling your home. It provides even air distribution, optimal efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and more. However, many Atglen, PA, residents don’t understand how to correctly size an AC for a room.
Fortunately, the air conditioning experts at Topline Heating & Air are here to teach you everything you need to know about sizing AC units so you can beat the heat all summer long.
Topline Heating & Air is your reliable Atglen HVAC service company. Our team specializes in installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC units of all shapes, styles, and designs, qualifying us for all your heating and cooling needs. If you want a high-quality air conditioning company that makes you their top priority, contact Topline Heating & Air.
How to Measure a Room for a Widow Air Conditioner
Your window air conditioner’s size is more important than you might think. An oversized window unit wastes tons of energy and can skyrocket your utility bills, while overly small AC systems won’t cool your room efficiently. However, taking a few measurements beforehand can help you find the perfect air conditioner for your room.
How to Measure a Square Room
Before shopping for new window units or portable air conditioners, you must calculate your room’s square footage. If you have a square room, measure the room’s length and width and multiply the measurements together. The outcome will tell you the square footage of your room.
For example, if you have a 10ft by 10ft square bedroom, your room is 100 square feet (10 x 10 = 100).
How to Measure a Triangular Room
Learning the total square feet of a triangular room requires the same equation but with an additional step. Measure the room’s length and width like you did with the square room and multiply the outcome by half (L x W x ½ = A).
A 10ft by 12ft triangular room has 60 total square feet since 10ft x 12ft x ½ = 60 sq.
How to Measure Strangely Shaped Rooms
Oddly shaped rooms require a few extra measurements. First, measure each wall and record the calculations on a piece of paper. It’s best to draw an outline of your room’s shape and label each wall with the correct measurements.
Next, divide the room into separate sections (section A, section B, etc.) and use the above equations to determine their square footage. For example, if sections A and B are square shaped and section C is triangular, use the L x W= A equation for sections A and B and the L x W x ½ = A equation for section C.
Next, add all the outcomes together to find the room’s total square footage (section A + section B + section C = total square feet).
Selecting an Air Conditioner’s BTU Rating
Now that you understand how to size an AC for a room, you can learn the best BTU rating for your air conditioner. BTU, or British thermal units, describe an air conditioner’s strength. The higher the BTU rating, the stronger the system.
Your room’s total square footage will help you determine the best BTU rating for your air conditioning unit. First, measure your room using one of the above equations. Once you have the room’s total square footage, multiply it by 25. The outcome will tell you the best BTU rating for your window air conditioners.
For example, if your room is 180 square feet, you need an air conditioner with 4,500 BTUs since 180 x 25 = 4,500.
Other Factors That Affect the BTU Rating
Although multiplying your room’s total square feet by 25 will determine the best BTU rating for your AC unit, it isn’t 100% accurate. Other factors like sun exposure and ceiling height can also affect the required BTU rating. Below are some prevalent factors that will affect the BTU rating.
Ceiling Height
Most homes have eight-foot ceilings. However, if your room’s ceiling extends past eight feet, you must slightly increase your air conditioner’s BTU level depending on the height of the ceiling.
Sunlight
Sunlight can moderately increase a room’s temperature, making it hotter than most other areas. To combat the excess heat, increase your air conditioner’s BTU rating by 10%. The increased BTU rating will counteract the heat and make the room cool and comfortable regardless of the outdoor temperature.
Shade
Like sunlight, shade can cool a room and decrease its internal temperature. Always reduce the AC unit’s BTU rating by 10% if you want to install an air conditioning system in a shady space.
Number of Room Occupants
Numerous people occupying a room can create body heat that increases the space’s overall temperature. If more than one person occupies a room, increase the air conditioner’s BTU rating by 600 for each occupant. The additional strength will counteract the excess body heat and level the temperature, allowing occupants to live comfortably.
Kitchen Heat
Kitchens often become hot and uncomfortable due to intense heat from the stovetop and oven. If you want to install a window air conditioner in your kitchen, increase the unit’s BTU rating by 4,000 to ensure optimal efficiency.
Contact Topline Heating & Air for High-Quality Air Conditioning Services in Atglen, PA
Topline Heating & Air is Atglen, PA’s number one choice for professional air conditioning services. We can teach you how to size an AC for a room so that you can stay cool and comfortable during the hottest summer days. Whether you need to size your air conditioner or want to know what size furnace you need in your home, Topline Heating & Air is here to help.
Don’t trust inexperienced HVAC companies next time your air conditioning unit breaks down. Contact the heating and cooling experts at Topline Heating & Air by calling (717) 628-6825 or (717) 482-1667. Give us a call and see what our team can do for you today!