Split Air Conditioner Buying Guide

To figure out which size unit is best for your cooling needs:

- Source from energystar.gov -

1. Determine the square footage of the area to be cooled using the following formulas:

   • For square and rectangular rooms, multiply the length of the area by its width
   • For a triangular area, multiply the length of the area by the width and divide by 2
   
   
   

   Most rooms can be further divided into these basic shapes to determine the square footage.

   If the shape of your room is other than square or rectangular, ask your sales associate to help you determine the square footage.

2. Using the square footage and the chart below, determine the correct cooling capacity. Cooling capacity is measured in British thermal units (BTUs) per hour.

   
   
   

   Area To Be Cooled (square feet)	Capacity Needed (BTUs per hour)
   100 to 150	5,000
   150 to 250	6,000
   250 to 300	7,000
   300 to 350	8,000
   350 to 400	9,000
   400 to 450	10,000
   450 to 550	12,000
   550 to 700	14,000
   700 to 1,000	18,000
   1,000 to 1,200	21,000
   1,200 to 1,400	23,000
   1,400 to 1,500	24,000
   1,500 to 2,000	30,000
   2,000 to 2,500	34,000





3. Make any adjustments for the following circumstances:

   • If the room is heavily shaded, reduce capacity by 10 percent.
   • If the room is very sunny, increase capacity by 10 percent.
   • If more than two people regularly occupy the room, add 600 BTUs for each additional person.
   • If the unit is used in a kitchen, increase capacity by 4,000 BTUs.
   • Consider where you install the unit. If you are mounting an air conditioner near the corner of a room, look for a unit that can send the airflow in the right direction.