💬 From Savvy Mavi:
“Listen, when the AC is too small, my kids complain. When it’s too big, my energy bill complains. Getting the right size AC isn’t just technical—it’s personal.”
🧊 Why AC Sizing Matters for Families
Sizing your air conditioner is like choosing the right backpack for school: too small, and it’s overloaded. Too big, and it’s clunky and wasteful.
An oversized AC:
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Cools the room quickly but doesn’t remove enough humidity
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Turns on and off more often, wearing out faster
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Wastes energy and money
An undersized AC:
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Struggles to keep up on hot days
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Runs nonstop, driving up energy bills
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Leaves you sticky, not cool
📏 Use This BTU Chart as a Starting Point
| Home Size (sq. ft.) | Cooling Capacity Needed (BTUs) |
|---|---|
| 500 – 700 | 12,000 |
| 700 – 1,000 | 18,000 |
| 1,000 – 1,200 | 21,000 |
| 1,200 – 1,400 | 23,000 |
| 1,400 – 1,500 | 24,000 |
| 1,500 – 2,000 | 30,000 |
| 2,000 – 2,500 | 34,000 – 40,000 |
| 2,500 – 3,000 | 48,000 |
🔗 BTU Calculator by Room Size – PickHVAC
🧮 Want to Get It Just Right? Use a Load Calculator
For the most accurate sizing, go beyond square footage. Load calculators consider:
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Insulation levels
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Sun exposure
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Number of people in the home
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Ductwork and air leaks
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Ceiling height
Try one of these tools:
🧡 Mavi’s Mom Tip: Don’t Forget Room Usage
If you have a nursery, home gym, or kitchen-heavy open concept, those rooms run hotter and may need extra consideration—even if the house size stays the same.
✅ Systems to Consider
For a typical 1,500–2,000 sq ft family home, a 2.5 or 3 ton R-32 AC and Air Handler System usually hits the sweet spot. One of my go-to picks:
🔗 Goodman 2.5 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Air Conditioner and Air Handler System – The Furnace Outlet
👣 Next Steps
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Measure your space
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Use the BTU chart or calculator
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Check for high-use areas (kitchen, sunroom)
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Choose a system that fits—and saves you money long-term
🛍️ Ready to Shop Smart?
Explore all our R-32 AC and Air Handler Systems and filter by tonnage. Need help? TheFurnaceOutlet.com team is standing by to guide you every step of the way.
