How many square feet can 1 AC unit cool? The number of square feet an AC unit cools depends on several factors including:
Climate:
Hotter climates require more BTU (British Thermal Units) per square foot to achieve the same level of coolness. So, a 1-ton AC unit (around 12,000 BTU) might cool 600 square feet in a mild climate, but only 400 square feet in a hot climate.
Insulation:
Poorly insulated spaces lose cool air more readily, requiring a larger AC unit to maintain a comfortable temperature. A well-insulated space can be cooled with a smaller AC unit.
Sun exposure:
Rooms with south-facing windows receive more heat gain throughout the day. This means the AC needs to work harder to compensate, so you might need a higher BTU unit for such spaces.
Occupancy:
More people generate more heat, so the AC needs to have a higher BTU capacity to cool the space effectively.
Rule of thumb:
There’s a rule of thumb that suggests around 20 BTU per square foot of space to get a rough idea of the cooling capacity you need. So, a 1-ton AC unit (12,000 BTU) could cool around 600 square feet (12,000 BTU / 20 BTU/ft²). However, this is just a starting point and not very accurate.
Why is it not accurate?
Because the factors mentioned above can significantly impact the actual cooling requirement. Here’s a breakdown:
- Climate: In hotter climates, you might need 35 BTU/ft² instead of 20 BTU/ft². So, a 1-ton AC unit might only cool around 343 square feet (12,000 BTU / 35 BTU/ft²) in a hot climate.
- Sun Exposure: South-facing rooms may require an additional 10% BTU capacity.
Consulting an HVAC professional:
Given these variations, it’s important to consider a more detailed approach to determine the right size AC unit. An HVAC professional can assess your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate system size and type based on factors like:
- Climate in your region
- Size and layout of your space
- Insulation levels
- Window sizes and sun exposure
- Number of occupants
They can perform a Manual J calculation, which is the industry standard for determining cooling load. This takes into account all the factors mentioned above to provide a more accurate recommendation.
By getting a professional assessment, you can ensure your AC unit is properly sized to cool your space efficiently and comfortably, avoiding the potential issues of an underpowered or overpowered system.
Looking to install a commercial HVAC System or Duct work in your Business Area?
Contact Vipul Ac to learn about our HVAC Service
Call +91 9825636606 Today.
