When you live in a tropical environment year-round, air conditioning is a must. But how do you figure out which AC unit best suits your living space? Air conditioners come in many different sizes, with varying factors determining which will be the most appropriate for you. Here are a few sizing factors to keep in mind when shopping for a new air conditioning unit. 

Area Size

You’ll first need to take the square footage and volume of your home into account. A unit that is too small will take much longer to cool your home, thus wasting energy and costing you more. An oversized unit will be more expensive and will end up frequently shutting off and on again. Use an online BTU (British Thermal Unit) calculator to roughly estimate how much energy your AC unit would need.

Location

As a resident of Hawaii, your air conditioning unit is already going to require more energy than it would on most of the mainland. Not only is your geographic location important in determining the size of your AC unit, but the placement of your living space also plays a crucial part. How much sunlight does your home get? Is there shade on your house? Homes with more direct sunlight will require a more powerful unit.

Rooms

Even after you’ve calculated total square footage, the number of rooms in your home is also something to consider. Additional walls, doors, windows, and insulation in each room will affect the efficiency of your AC unit. An average-sized home with extra rooms and inadequate insulation will require a higher BTU capacity to properly cool the entire space.

No matter what size air conditioning unit you choose, Purair Hawaii in Honolulu can help you keep it running smoothly. You need your air conditioner throughout the year, so when it needs cleaning or maintenance, their technicians work with speed and precision. Their services will keep your air fresh, clean, and safe on even the hottest of days. To schedule services, call (808) 589-2712 today. Learn more about what they can do for you online.