How Many Tons of AC Do I Need Per Square Foot?

An air conditioner is an essential home appliance to escape the sweltering summer heat. As consumer demand for AC surges in the months ahead, it is important to understand how to zero upon the right unit for your space.

Choosing the right AC unit depends on the size or area of the room in which you want your brand new AC to be installed. This will determine the exact tonnage of air conditioner that could cool the room adequately. The larger the size of the room, the higher the tonnage and vice versa. 

Here’s how you can go about determining the required tonnage, as per your room size:

1. Measuring the cooling capacity required for your room: Calculating the cooling capacity of one’s room is simple and straightforward. First, calculate the area of the room by multiplying the length, breadth, and height. Then divide the number you arrive at by 600. Thus, if your room were 150 square feet, you would divide 150 by 600 to arrive at the right tonnage required, i.e. 0.25 tons.
2. Study the room properly: The calculations above apply only in optimal conditions. You may need to consider other important parameters of the room that indirectly affect the air conditioner capacity. These include the room orientation, structure, average high temperature on a day to day basis as well as the insulation of doors, walls, roofing, the number of appliances in the room, lights, solar gain as well as how many people inhabit it on a daily basis. Also, note the number of windows in the room and the amount of sunlight streaming in. Since the ambient temperature in a country like ours is higher, you may need to consider these additional factors to select an air conditioner with the right capacity.
3. Room Area: For instance, for every five people in the room, you would be required to add an extra 0.5 tonnage. Similarly, if you live in a hot area where temperatures can reach as high as 45 degrees or even go beyond, you would need to add an extra 0.5 tonnage.  For a small room located in a sunny region, you might have to consider buying the best 1.5 ton split AC despite it being just 150 square feet in area. Similarly, if the room is shaded and has fewer people using it, you could go for an air conditioner with a lower tonnage.
4. Tonnage by Area: Assuming that more than 5 people would be present in the room, if the size of the room is up to 100 square feet, a 0.8-ton air conditioner would be effective. For a room of 150 square feet, a 1-ton AC would be ideal. Similarly, you would require a 1.5 ton split AC for a room of up to 250 square feet. Whereas, a room above 400 square feet could be cooled adequately only by a 2-ton split AC or tower air conditioner.

Conclusion: Choosing the right tonnage might seem like a cumbersome task, but it is important. If you buy an AC with a low cooling capacity, it might not cool your room effectively, while an AC with higher tonnage might be heavier on the pocket. While making your decision, ensure that you take into account the pros and cons of each option.

So make an good decision and choose a unit that fits your room specifications.So these are a few things you should consider while choosing an AC. You can also go through this exclusive air conditioner buying guide that will help you understand better about various kinds of ACs available in the market and which one you should go for. So read this so you don’t have to regret after buying your home AC.