How to Choose the Right AC Tonnage for Your Home: Tony the Trusted Tec

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When it comes to buying an air conditioner, one of the biggest questions I get from homeowners is: "What size AC do I need for my home?" Picking the right tonnage isn’t just about getting the biggest unit out there — it’s about efficiency, comfort, and saving you money in the long run.

Let me break down how to choose the right AC tonnage for your home, the role of Manual J load calculations, and why sizing matters more than you might think.

What Does “Tonnage” Even Mean?

Tonnage in air conditioning isn’t about the weight of the unit—it’s about the cooling capacity. One ton equals 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. BTUs measure the amount of heat an AC unit can remove from your home.

So a 2.5-ton unit cools roughly 30,000 BTUs per hour. Simple enough, right? But the tricky part is figuring out how many BTUs your home needs.

Why Picking the Right Tonnage Matters

Undersized AC: Your unit runs constantly, struggles to keep up, and drives your energy bills through the roof. Plus, your home never gets truly comfortable.
Oversized AC: Your unit cools too fast and cycles on and off frequently, which can lead to poor humidity control, more wear and tear, and wasted energy.

Both scenarios mean more headaches and money for you.

How to Calculate Your Cooling Load

This is where the Manual J Residential Load Calculation comes in. It’s the industry gold standard for figuring out your home’s cooling needs based on factors like:

Square footage
Number of windows and insulation levels
Orientation and shading
Local climate

While there are plenty of online AC tonnage calculators, nothing beats a professional Manual J load calculation done by a certified HVAC technician.

Rough Rule of Thumb: BTUs Per Square Foot

Here’s a quick estimate:
20 BTUs per square foot is a common rule of thumb for sizing AC units in average climates.

Home Size (sq ft)	Approximate AC Size (Tons)
1000	1.5 to 2
1500	2 to 2.5
2000	2.5 to 3
2500	3 to 3.5

But remember, this is just a starting point. Other factors always affect the final size.

Why R-32 Systems Are a Smart Choice for Your Sized Unit

R-32 refrigerant isn’t just good for the environment; it works efficiently across different system sizes. Many Goodman R-32 systems come in a variety of tonnage options (from 1.5 up to 5 tons), so you can find one that fits your home perfectly.

These systems also deliver excellent SEER2 ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), meaning you save money on your energy bills over time — especially when paired with the right-sized air handler.

Pro Tip from Tony: Always Get a Professional Assessment

Homeowners often want to DIY their AC size calculations, but I can’t stress this enough — get a professional Manual J load calculation before buying. It pays off in comfort, longevity, and savings.