News
What size air conditioner do I need?
An aircon system can be a costly, long-term investment, so it is important to take the time to choose the right unit. You will need the right size unit for your room, and that depends on the space, insulation, orientation and location. Making the right decision now maximises the unit's performance and minimises running costs.
How can you decide which size unit is right for you? Let's talk about it.
Room size
It is easy to measure the room's length and width, but calculating volume is harder: you need to know ceiling height to get an accurate idea of the cooling power required. This is an approximate guideline for the capacity you will need to cool a specific room:
| Room size | Example | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller (up to 20m2) | Study or bedroom | 2 to 2.5kW |
| Medium (20 to 40m2) | Bedroom with ensuite, small lounge room | 2.5 to 5kW |
| Large (40 to 60m2) | Large bedroom or medium-sized lounge room | 4 to 6kW |
| Extra large (60m2+) | Large lounge areas and open plan entertaining spaces | 6 to 9kW |
This guide helps you get an idea of what works well in your space. Don't make the mistake of going too small to save money, or too large to turn the space into an igloo: either way it costs more over time. A poorly sized unit increases power consumption and causes more wear on the unit.
Location
The size of the unit you require depends on where in Australia you live. A room in Darwin needs a larger unit than a similar room in Hobart. As a rule of thumb, a 30m2 room in Brisbane usually requires a 2.2kW unit.
Insulation
Is the ceiling and wall insulation adequate? Ceiling insulation is a key factor in creating a thermally efficient home. We recommend installing ceiling insulation if your ceiling is not already insulated: you will be able to install a smaller unit, and your ongoing operating costs will be lower. That saves money over the long term.
How much sunlight does your property get?
Consider the orientation of your room and how much sun it receives throughout the day. Large windows facing west or north let in lots of summer heat, while south-facing windows keep a room cooler. Pre-cooling can lower the cost of cooling a north- or west-facing room, though a larger unit might still be required to cool it efficiently.
We at All Kind Air & Electrical understand that choosing the right air conditioner for your home or business is not an easy task. For expert advice, speak with our friendly team: we'll help you choose the right size air conditioner for your space.