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What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

When it’s time to invest in an air conditioner, you might not be certain about what you really need. There are various factors that influence what size unit is best for you.

It’s important to choose the right sized air conditioner in Cairns for your home – getting things wrong could cost extra money or mean your home isn’t cooled effectively.

If you’re not sure what the right choice is for your home, read on to find out how you can find out.

Why size matters

When it comes to air conditioning, size certainly does matter. It might feel tempting to choose a smaller unit in order to reduce running costs, but this isn’t always a smart decision and can mean you use more energy than you expected.

This will actually cause your energy bills to increase. If you choose a unit that’s too small for the space it might need to run at its maximum output more frequently. This means that the air will get dried out too much, your use of energy will increase, and the system is more vulnerable to wear and tear.

On the other hand, if you choose a system that’s too large, the room can become uncomfortable because the air isn’t dehumidified enough and might become too hot or cold.

In addition, your running costs will increase and, just like with a unit that’s too small, your energy use will increase and the system is more likely to suffer from wear and tear. Choosing a unit that’s the right size or slightly bigger than you need is the best way to avoid these issues.

What size air conditioner do I need?

There are four main things to consider when making your decision.

  • Room size – larger rooms with higher ceilings will need a larger unit.
  • Location – the climate you live in will determine the level of air conditioning you need.
  • Insulation – the efficiency of your home will affect your needs.
  • Orientation – rooms that face north or west can get hotter and will need a bigger unit.

As a general rule, Australian homes need 120-150W of power per square metre. You can calculate the correct unit size by multiplying the wattage by the size of your room in square metres.

The hotter the climate you’re living in, the higher wattage you’ll require to cool the room effectively.

Get Expert Installation

Working out the right size can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to speak to air conditioning specialists who can help you determine the best unit for your home before installation.

At Alphacool, we’re experts in air conditioning in Cairns and Port Douglas. We’ve supplied and installed air conditioning units for a wide range of properties throughout North Queensland over the years – and we only supply high-quality units from leading manufacturers that we trust.

If you’re looking for great quality air conditioning and need help to decide on the right unit for you, speak to us today.

Our experienced team are on hand to guide you through the options and help you to identify the right solution for you before committing to air conditioning installation for your home.



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