Measure Air Conditioner Tonnage for your Room - Easy Guideline!

When it comes to buying an air conditioner (AC) for your home, it's important to choose the right size for each room. Installing an AC that is too small for the room can result in it running continuously without adequately cooling the room. Again, installing one that is too large can lead to excessive energy consumption and high utility bills.

So how do you measure air conditioner tonnage for your room?

There are mainly 2 different ways to do it. In this article, I’ll explain everything related to this along with a chart. So, keep on reading.

The Basic Rules of Measuring Air Conditioner Tonnage for a Room

Now this is the main segment. Here I’ll discuss 2 different ways to measure the right air conditioner tonnage for a room. However, before that, I want to give you a brief on tonnage.

The tonnage of an air conditioner represents its cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). One ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 BTUs per hour. The ideal room size for an air conditioner depends on its tonnage and other factors such as insulation, ceiling height, and sunlight exposure.

Now let’s move on to the main part. 

Method 1: Area Method

The most common and easiest way to measure the tonnage of an air conditioner is using the area method.  

To calculate using this method, first, multiply the length and width of the room in feet. Then calculate the square root of the result and divide by 10. The obtained value will indicate the necessary tonnage.

Are you still confused? Don’t worry, I will provide an example of how to do it. So, read on.

Suppose your room is 13 feet long and 8 feet wide. That means the size of the room is 13x8 = 104 square feet. 

Now, the method to calculate the tonnage is to calculate the square root and then will have to divide by 10.

So the answer is (√104)/10 = 1.01

That means you should choose an AC of 1 Ton.

Method 2: Volume Method

Calculating using the volume method is even easier. Let’s see how to do it.

To determine the necessary tonnage, multiply the room's length, width, and height in feet, then divide the product by 1000.

Like the previous one, I am adding an example

Suppose you have a room 17 feet long and 12 feet wide and 22 feet high. That means the size of the room is 17x12x22 = 4488 cu. feet

So the required tonnage is 4488/1000 = 4.8 ton

That’s the 2 standard methods. Aside from that you can get the right AC size from different AC ton calculators online.

However, note that the measurement sometimes varies depending on several factors such as ventilation, number of doors, ceiling height, etc. 

Below I’ll give you a proper chart for AC sizes in different types and sizes of the room.

What Size AC is Appropriate for Different Rooms?

In this segment, I’ll discuss what size AC is appropriate for different rooms in your home. Before I get into the main discussion I am adding a table showing the recommended AC sizes for different rooms in a home. If you’re in a hurry this AC room size chart must be helpful for you.

What Size AC for a Bedroom?

The size of a bedroom AC depends on the square footage of the room. As a general rule of thumb, you'll need 1 ton of cooling capacity for every 400-600 square feet of a bedroom. A 1.5-ton AC unit is suitable for a bedroom that is up to 900 square feet, while a 2-ton AC is appropriate for a room that is up to 1200 square feet.

What Size AC for a Study Room?

A study room is typically smaller than a bedroom. So, your study room AC requires a smaller AC unit than the bedroom. A 0.75-ton AC unit is sufficient for a study room that is up to 100 square feet in size. If your study room is slightly larger, such as up to 150 square feet, a 1-ton AC unit is appropriate.

What Size AC for a Drawing Room?

A drawing room, also known as a living room, is usually one of the larger rooms in a home. Now let’s the ideal drawing room AC size. For a room that is up to 250 square feet in size, a 1.5-ton AC unit is suitable. If your drawing room is larger, up to 400 square feet, a 2-ton AC unit is recommended.

What Size AC for a Dining Room?

Like a study room, a dining room is typically smaller than a bedroom or a living room. Let’s get the right dining Room AC size. A 0.75-ton AC unit is sufficient for a dining room that is up to 100 square feet in size. For a room that is up to 150 square feet, a 1-ton AC unit is appropriate.

Ideal Room Size For Different AC Units

This segment is kind of the opposite of the previous one. Here I’ll discuss mainly the AC units. I’ll show you the right room size for different AC units. 

Let's take a look at the recommended room sizes for 1-ton, 1.5-ton, and 2-ton air conditioners.

First, here I’m adding a table summarizing the recommended room sizes for different tonnage air conditioners:

1 Ton AC Room Size

A 1-ton air conditioner is suitable for small rooms of up to 120 square feet. It can cool a room efficiently, providing a comfortable temperature during hot and humid weather. This air conditioner is ideal for bedrooms, small offices, and study rooms.

1.5 Ton AC Room Size

A 1.5-ton air conditioner is suitable for medium-sized rooms of up to 180 square feet. It has a higher cooling capacity than a 1-ton air conditioner, making it suitable for larger bedrooms, living rooms, and office spaces.

2 Ton AC Room Size

A 2-ton air conditioner is suitable for large rooms of up to 240 square feet. It has a higher cooling capacity than a 1.5-ton air conditioner, making it suitable for large living rooms, conference rooms, and commercial spaces.

It is essential to note that these recommended room sizes are based on standard room conditions. Rooms with high ceilings, large windows, and direct sunlight exposure may require higher-tonnage air conditioners for efficient cooling.

Where Can You Find the Right Size AC?

You’ll find the right size AC in the different electric shops. However, the Butterfly Group is the most trusted among all. There you’ll find Air Conditioners from different brands such as LG, Samsung, Haier, and eco+. House of Butterfly provides the best options to find the best air conditioners for your room.

A Guide to Proper AC Maintenance

If you want to ensure the longevity and efficiency of an AC, Proper maintenance of your air conditioning (AC) system is crucial. Here is a guide to help you keep your AC system in good working order:

• 1. Clean or replace the air filter: Dirty air filters can reduce the efficiency of your AC system. It increases your energy bills and reduces the lifespan of your unit. Clean or replace your air filter at least once every three months.
• Clean the condenser coils: The condenser coils on the outdoor unit of your AC system can become dirty and clogged with debris. This can reduce the efficiency of your system and increase your energy bills. Clean the coils at least once a year.
• Check the refrigerant level: Low refrigerant levels can cause your AC system to work harder. It’ll also increase your energy bills and potentially damage your unit. Check the refrigerant level at least once a year and refill it if necessary.
• Check the thermostat settings: Make sure that your thermostat is set to the appropriate temperature for your comfort and energy efficiency. Adjust it as needed to save money on your energy bills.
• Clean the air vents: Dirty air vents can restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of your AC system. Clean your air vents at least once a year.
• Schedule regular maintenance: It’s recommended to have your AC system inspected and maintained by a professional at least once a year. I’ll identify and prevent potential problems before they become costly repairs.

Final Words

That’s everything on the topic - measure air conditioner tonnage for your room. I hope you’ve understood everything and all you need to measure is the info on your room size and a calculator. 

I would suggest following the Square Foot method as in Bangladesh most of us measure rooms in square feet. 

Before I leave a final tip for you. If you know the size of the room you can ask any certain person in the store from where you are purchasing the AC. Hearing the size they can calculate and suggest the right size AC for you.