What Size AC Do I Need in Tampa?
Ready to upgrade the air conditioning in your Tampa home but not sure what size to get? Choosing the right size for your air conditioning system is more critical than many homeowners realize. Selecting the ideal size for your AC can mean the difference between long-lasting, efficient cooling capacity and a system that falls short of expectations. At All American Home Services, our team has helped demystify the air conditioning installation process by providing a complete guide on picking the best size for your Florida family’s AC unit.
Why Does Air Conditioner Size Matter for Florida Homes?
When it comes to air conditioning, the size of your system is one of the most critical components. Buying the wrong size air conditioner can have serious consequences for your home comfort. Choose a unit that is too small, and your system will run nonstop, never meeting your desired indoor temperature. With an air conditioner that’s too big, you could experience:
- Increased energy expenses
- Uneven cooling in your home
- Shorter system life span
There are many factors to consider when selecting the best size air conditioner for your Tampa-area home. Understanding each of these will help you make the right decision when choosing the system that’s best for your needs.
Determining the Best Size for Your Tampa AC Unit
Air conditioner capacity is measured in tons, with a ton representing how much heat each unit can eliminate in an hour. To find the correct tonnage for your home, you need to consider both the square footage of your home and the climate where you live. Florida’s warmer climate demands a higher tonnage to efficiently remove heat from larger residences.
With the tropical climate seen in Tampa, achieving year-long comfort can be challenging when the wrong size air conditioner is in place. The following illustrates how the typical AC installed in a Florida home will perform based on the square footage of your indoor space:
Square Footage | Ideal AC Tonnage |
600 – 900 square feet | 1.5 tons |
901 – 1200 square feet | 2 tons |
1201 – 1500 square feet | 2.5 tons |
As you can see, each additional half-ton of cooling capacity results can comfortably cool off 300 additional square feet of space. The pattern continues up to units with a 5-ton capacity, capable of cooling 2401 – 3000 square feet of indoor living space.
Trust All American Home Services with Your AC Installation Needs!
If you’re still unsure about what size air conditioner is best for your Tampa home, All American Home Services has the HVAC team you need to help you make the right decision. Performing a Manual J load calculation, our expert team will take the following factors into account to make an expert recommendation on which of our cooling systems is best for your home:
- Square footage of your home
- Home layout
- Roofing type and condition
- Ceiling height
- Size and location of rooms
- Number of windows
- Shade from roof and walls
- Quality of home insulation
- Condition and quality of ductwork
- And much more
Allow our team to find the perfect match for your Tampa home’s cooling needs. Schedule air conditioning installation with our team today!
TODAY!