How Do I Know What Size Air Conditioner to Get in Florida?
Summary
Determine AC size based on your home’s square footage.
Understand how layout and insulation impact cooling needs.
Avoid issues caused by incorrect AC sizing.
Many homeowners in Florida run their air conditioners every month of the year. With so much usage, choosing the right size AC for our climate is crucial for energy efficiency, home comfort, and system longevity.
If you’re considering an AC replacement, correctly sizing your new AC will help you maintain a comfortable indoor environment and reduce energy costs.
How Is Air Conditioner Sizing Measured?
Air conditioner sizing is measured in tons or British Thermal Units (BTUs). The unit size you need is closely related to the square footage of your home.
One ton of cooling capacity is equivalent to 12,000 BTUs, which is the energy needed to cool a certain area of your home.
What AC Size Fits My Home’s Square Footage?
Have trouble imagining how your home size matches the appropriate AC size? Check out the table below:
Home Size
Tons
BTUs
600 to 900 sq. ft.
1.5
18,000
901 to 1,200 sq. ft.
2
24,000
1,201 to 1,500 sq. ft.
2.5
30,000
1,501 to 1,800 sq. ft.
3
36,000
1,801 to 2,100 sq. ft
3.5
42,000
2,101 to 2,400 sq. ft.
4
48,000
2,401 to 3,000 sq. ft.
5
60,000
What are the Most Important Factors to Consider When Sizing Your AC?
While your home’s square footage is a primary factor, several others play into sizing your air conditioner.
Considering these factors will ensure that your cooling system operates efficiently and maintains a comfortable indoor temperature:
Home layout: Open floor plans may need different cooling strategies than segmented layouts.
Multiple stories: If you have a two-story home, you may benefit from two systems — one for each floor.
Ceiling height: Higher ceilings can affect the cooling load, as there’s more space to cool.
Number of windows: More windows can increase heat gain, so you may require a larger AC.
Shade from trees: Shaded homes may stay cooler and need less AC capacity.
Quality of home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, potentially requiring a smaller AC.
What Are the Risks of an Undersized or Oversized AC?
Installing an AC unit that’s too small or too large can lead to several problems:
An undersized air conditioner will struggle to cool your home, causing high utility bills and excessive wear and tear on your system, which can lead to frequent repairs and premature replacement.
An oversized air conditioner will cycle on and off too frequently, resulting in inefficient operation and higher energy consumption.
Choosing the right-sized cooling system is even more important in Florida’s coastal environment. Saltwater corrosion strains your AC system, making the added strain of incorrect sizing even more detrimental.
To estimate the appropriate AC size, divide your home’s square footage by 600. For example, a 1,800 sq. ft. home would require a 3-ton unit. However, factors like ceiling height, insulation, and sun exposure can influence this calculation.
An oversized AC can cool your home quickly but may not effectively dehumidify, leading to a clammy environment. An undersized unit will struggle to cool your home, running continuously and increasing energy costs.
In multi-story homes, separate AC units for each floor can provide more efficient and balanced cooling, especially if each level has different usage patterns or sun exposure.
Choose UAT for AC Replacement in Jacksonville & St. Augustine
At United Air Temp, we understand the unique cooling needs of Florida homes. Our highly trained technicians can help you choose the perfect air conditioner size, ensuring efficient and reliable performance.
We can help you choose new equipment that qualifies for HVAC rebates so you can save on your AC installation. With our commitment to quality work, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer service, you can trust us to keep your home comfortable year-round.
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