How big of an a/c unit per 500 sq. ft.?????

Question

I'm thinking my unit is too small for my home.

It's about 90 degrees outside where I live and my house isn't that cool inside even when I turn down the a/c to 64 the thermo reads that it's 73-74 degrees inside and it doesn't freeze up or kick off.

I'm not sure the square footage of the house..... 1500?, 2000?, 2500?, 3000?, 3500?...... if possible, maybe it'll give an idea on what size of unit should be used per 500 sq. ft.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Although lots of variables the rule of thumb is 1 ton of air conditioner gor 400 square feet of house, Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Have you had the air conditioner serviced this season? Did it perform poorly last year? The installer would have verified that the unit would cool the home when installed. Has there been any additions to the home?

Check the air filter.

Measure the temperature of the air going into the unit at a return duct. Measure the air temperature of the air coming out of the supply duct. If there is 20 degrees difference, the unit is tuned properly. If it is 16 degrees or less, the unit needs servicing.

73-74 degrees is a good drop, your outside temp is 90+, inside is 16-17 degrees cooler, not that bad. Don't set your thermostat at 64, try 68-70.

Your home should have a size estimate on the property tax paper. You can look it up online in some counties.

Keep Kool

Answer 3

Roughly 1/2 - 1 ton should work for 500 sq.ft. But there are a lot of additional variables to consider including the insulation quality, number, facing, and quality of windows, and the ratio of wall area to floor area. A 3000 sq.ft house would use less energy per sq.ft than a 500 sq.ft. house.

Often times A/C units are only designed to bring the temperature down to around 72 degrees. Setting the t-stat set point lower won't do anything for you unless you cool the house down below that overnight in advance of a hot day.

Try installing and using ceiling fans to help keep the air moving, it will make it feel cooler inside.

Answer 4

When was the last time you cleaned or replaced your air filters?
If you have a system that was functioning correctly in the past -- its time to do some maintenance. Check the outside condensing unit-- it needs to be cleaned for free air flow -- a strong spray from your garden hose will clean out the crap between the "fins". If there is no change -- then its time for a service call -- your freon level could be low. If it is -- then a pressure leak test should be done and repairs made if necessary.

Answer 5

Call an AC installer and have him do a free design of a properly designed system and cost estimate. Many things go into the design such as fenestration, what percent is doors and windows, how much southern exposure, whether the windows are low e, square footage, etc. Anyone giving you a guess without using these kinds of factors, is not giving you what you really need.

Answer 6

1 TON PER 600 SQFT, OR USE 1 TON PER 500 SQFT FOR BETTER EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE