Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to have a new air conditioning unit installed in your South Florida home. Now the real decision-making process begins, as you need to choose the brand and type of unit, as well as the size. The other two decisions are important, but less crucial than the size, because you need to ensure that the AC unit you select is powerful enough to keep your entire home cool. Wondering what your options are and where to start? Here’s what you need to know in order to make this crucial “cool” decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an AC Unit for South Florida Homes
When selecting an AC unit for your South Florida home, it’s essential to understand that a variety of factors can influence your choice beyond square footage alone. These considerations ensure that the unit you pick will be efficient, cost-effective, and powerful enough to handle the Florida heat. Here are some additional factors to keep in mind:
- Insulation Quality: Proper insulation helps keep cool air inside and prevents heat from creeping into your home. If your home has high-quality insulation, you may be able to opt for a slightly smaller AC unit and still maintain comfortable temperatures.
- Home Layout: A single-story home and a multi-story home with the same square footage will likely require different cooling strategies. Multi-level homes may benefit from separate zoning or multiple smaller units for customized cooling control.
- Energy Efficiency Ratings: Look for air conditioners with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, as they can save on energy costs and reduce your home’s carbon footprint over time.
What Size Do I Need in South Florida?
Before you call up your local AC service in South Florida, you first need to educate yourself about air conditioners in general. This will help you understand what you’re looking for and why. It all starts with your climate zone. Although you might be familiar with the USDA climate zones that are used to determine which plants will grow in your area, as far as air conditioning is concerned, this zone is a bit different. The United States has been divided into five zones based on average temperature. Zone one is the hottest, and not surprisingly, this is where Florida lies. This means that you’ll need a stronger air conditioner in order to remain cool in the summer months. Someone living in one of the cooler zones, such as zone five, which abuts Canada, will need an AC unit that’s smaller and less powerful, due to their climate. Another term that you need to be familiar with is the Manual J Calculation. This number is dependent on many factors, ranging from the square footage of your home to the number of windows and doors that it has. The overall ceiling height is another factor to consider. All of these things will help you determine the HVAC load, or strength of the AC unit, that you need to keep your home cool. Your local HVAC service in Pompano Beach can help you with this.
Why AC Unit Size Matters More in Humid Climates Like Florida
South Florida’s climate is not only hot but also extremely humid. This combination requires an AC unit that can handle high moisture levels effectively. If your AC unit is too small, it will struggle to cool and dehumidify the space, causing it to run constantly without achieving desired results. On the other hand, an oversized unit may cool the room too quickly, leading to inadequate dehumidification and a clammy feeling indoors. Choosing the right size ensures balanced cooling and moisture control, making your living space comfortable even on the most humid days.
How Many Tons of AC Do I Need Per Square Foot in Florida?
Given Florida’s intense climate, you’ll need an AC unit powerful enough to keep your home comfortably cool even during peak summer heat. In order to find one, there are some things that you can do, including:
- Know the Terms and General Sizing – When it comes to air conditioners, the HVAC team that you contact might as well be speaking another language. Thankfully, if you educate yourself on those terms, like the Manual J Calculation, the BTU calculation, and even the HVAC load, then you’ll understand what the consultant is talking about. This will help you make an educated decision.
- Ask Your Neighbors – If you live in an area filled with houses that are of a similar shape and size to yours, you can ask them how their AC systems are set up. They might have different zones, with different machines for each level, allowing them some customized control. They might also have units of a certain size, and you can ask how well they work to see if something similar will work for you.
- Contact the Experts – Of course, you can purchase and install a central AC unit in your home, but you’ll need an AC service in Pompano Beach for that. These experts can help you determine the right size air conditioner for your home, and even walk you through the different models and options. They’ll do everything from talk you through the process to installing the unit. One example is Natal Air Conditioning. We have over 30 years of experience in the South Florida area, and we’ll also beat any competitor’s new install price by 5%!
AC Size per Thousand Square Feet
Let’s break things down. If you have a home that’s a certain square footage, which size AC would you need?
| Home Size |
AC Tonnage |
| Less than 900 square feet |
1.5 tons |
| 900 to 1200 square feet |
2 tons |
| 1200 to 1500 square feet |
2.5 tons |
| 1500 to 1800 square feet |
3 tons |
| 1800 to 2100 square feet |
3.5 tons |
| 2100 square feet to 2400 square feet |
4 tons |
| 2400 to 3000 square feet |
5 tons |
How to Calculate Air Conditioner Size for a House?
There are two main ways to determine which AC size is needed. The Manual J Method, which we already went over, relies on numerous factors like:
- Square footage
- Insulation quality
- Number of windows and doors
- Ceiling height
There’s also a measurement called the BTU or British Thermal Unit. You’ll see the measurement listed on the air conditioners that you’re considering. In general, you’ll need many of the same measurements as you would for the Manual J Method, but calculating BTUs is a little simpler. Start with square footage of each room that will be cooled. This could be the entire square footage of a house, or one single room, depending on the type of AC unit that you’re choosing and where you want it to be located. Take that square footage and multiply it by 25. You’ll end up with a number that’s in the thousands. Now the fun begins. If your ceilings are more than eight feet high, add ten percent onto that number. Add another ten percent if the room is super sunny in the middle of the day, or subtract ten percent if it’s well shaded. If you plan on air conditioning your kitchen, you’ll need to add 4,000 BTUs. This will give you a number to aim for when selecting an air conditioner.
Why Consult an HVAC Professional for AC Sizing and Installation
While it’s possible to do research on your own, consulting with a trusted HVAC professional provides valuable insights that can help you avoid costly mistakes. Professionals can help:
- Conduct a Detailed Assessment: An experienced technician can calculate the specific cooling load for your home, factoring in insulation, window quality, and even landscaping.
- Recommend Energy-Saving Models: They can suggest AC units with high energy ratings that qualify for rebates or tax incentives, helping you save money upfront and in the long run.
- Provide Expert Installation: Proper installation is crucial for efficiency and longevity. A professional installation ensures that the system is configured correctly to maximize airflow and minimize wear and tear.
Choose Natal Air Conditioning
Are you ready to purchase a new AC unit for your home? Contact Natal Air Conditioning, one of the best AC services in Pompano Beach. We can help you make the best decisions regarding brand, model, size, and type of air conditioner to ensure that you and your family stay cool during the hot South Florida summer months. From AC installation to repairs, we do it all!
