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What Size Air Conditioner Does My Home Need?

When it’s time for your home in the Philadelphia, PA, area to get a new air conditioning system, you might wonder what size you need to buy. This is an important question, especially if you’re cooling a newly finished space, such as a basement office or an attic, in addition to the space already served by your current air conditioner. If you’ve put on a home addition or made any other changes to your home, you may also need a different size of air conditioning system. Keep reading for tips on how to choose the right size air conditioner.

Calculate Your Home’s Square Footage

Homes in Philadelphia need about 20 British thermal units (BTUs) of cooling power per square foot. That means that if you have a 1,000 square foot home with standard-height ceilings, up-to-date insulation and ductwork, and double-pane windows, you’ll need an air conditioner with about 20,000 BTUs of cooling capacity.

Consider Your Home’s Unique Features

Homes with a two-story great room, ceilings taller than 9 feet, large windows, or a lot of direct sunlight need an even bigger air conditioner. The best way to determine the right size when you have one or more of these features is to have qualified HVAC technicians perform a load calculation for you. This computation ensures you’ll get just the right amount of BTUs and cooling power for your space.

Make Energy-efficient Improvements First

If your home lacks adequate insulation, features old windows, or has leaky ducts, fix these issues before getting a new air conditioner. You might find that making improvements reduces the size of air conditioning system you need for optimal comfort.

Peters Associates is the trusted air conditioning installation company in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. We’re also available for heating installations and heating and cooling maintenance and repair. Our indoor air quality, duct cleaning, smart home services, and water heaters improve your comfort and save you money. If you’re a Philadelphia-area business owner, you can count on us for quality commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services. For more tips on choosing the right size of air conditioning system for your home, reach out to us today.