Want to decorate your 2000 square feet area with a new AC unit but hesitate about what size to go for? Congrats on your positive thinking.
Learning what size AC unit for 2000 square feet will help you invest in the most appropriate unit to enjoy a cool atmosphere without spending extra money.
In this post, you will get a simple yet appropriate-sized AC unit recommendation for your 2000 square foot area and also a broad formula to determine it on your own.
What size AC unit for 2000 square feet?
For a 2000 square feet area, a 4-ton AC unit is typically recommended. Factors like insulation, ceiling height, and climate can influence the exact size needed, so always consider these elements for optimal cooling.
Size chart on AC unit for 2000 square feet:
| Area (Square Feet) | Recommended AC Unit Size |
|---|---|
| 500-800 | 1.5 tons |
| 800-1,200 | 2 tons |
| 1,200-1,600 | 2.5 tons |
| 1,600-2,000 | 3 tons |
| 2,000-2,500 | 4 tons |
| 2,500-3,000 | 5 tons |
| 3,000-3,500 | 5.5 tons |
| 3,500-4,000 | 6 tons |
Determine The Right Size AC Unit For 2000 Square Feet
Determining the appropriate size of an air conditioning unit for a 2000 square foot area can be a complex process, but here are some key factors to consider:
Calculate the square footage:
Measure the length and width of each room in the area and multiply the two numbers to get the square footage of each room.
Add up the square footage of all rooms to determine the total square footage.
Consider the climate:
If you live in a hot and humid climate, you may need a larger AC unit to cool your space adequately. If you live in a cooler climate, a smaller unit may suffice.
Evaluate insulation:
Poor insulation can cause energy loss and make it more difficult for your AC unit to cool your space.
If your insulation is lacking, you may need a larger AC unit to compensate.
Assess ceiling height:
If you have high ceilings, you may need a larger AC unit to effectively circulate cool air throughout the room.
Evaluate windows:
Windows can let in heat and make it more difficult for your AC unit to cool your space. If you have large windows or many windows, you may need a larger AC unit.
Consult with an HVAC technician:
A qualified HVAC technician can assess your specific needs and recommend the appropriate size and type of air conditioning unit for your 2000 square foot space.
How to measure the BTU capacity for a 2000 square foot house?
Identify the room for which you need an AC unit and its floor area. It is essential as every room may have unique specifications that can be the deciding factor.
Know The Floor Area Of Each Room
Measure the length and width of the room. You can also add the floor area of the hallways or corridors and the rooms you want to make cool and heated.
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Estimate the required capacity for each room
According to the energy star recommendation, you need 5000 BTU/hr to 6000 BTU/hr for a 100-250 sq ft area.
But it can vary if the room has large windows. Even the room needs 10% more capacity if it gets lots of sunlight.
Another criterion is that if more than two people live in the room, you have to add an extra 600 BTU/hr for each person.
A kitchen needs 4,000 BTU/hr to remove the heat that is gained due to the cooking appliances.
If your room has a 9-foot high ceiling or more, add 1000 BTU/hr for every extra foot.
Choose The AC Unit
The AC unit generally comes with standard capacity, unlike the odd capacity like 7300 BTU/hr.
One kW of cooling capacity is equal to the cooling capacity of 3412 BTU/hr. So, finding the precise match is quite tiresome.
The best decision is going for the closest capacity of what is required.
How many BTU furnaces are required for a 2000 square foot house?
The basic principle for measuring furniture sizing includes:
A larger house requires more BTU than a smaller one, and it is directly proportional to the sq ft.
Houses in colder areas need to produce more heat than houses in warmer areas.
You can also get the right furnace size by using the BTU heating needed for each sq ft for every climate zone.
| Area | BTU sq ft required |
|---|---|
| Region 1 | 35 BTU/sq ft |
| Region 2 | 40 BTU/sq ft |
| Region 3 | 45 BTU/sq ft |
| Region 4 | 50 BTU/sq ft |
| Region 5 | 60 BTU/sq ft |
Your 2000 sq ft homes need double furnace capacity than 1000 sq ft homes. Below is an approximate measurement of the BTU furnace based on the region you live:
| Area | BTU sq ft required |
|---|---|
| Region 1 | 70000 BTU/sq ft |
| Region 2 | 80000 BTU/sq ft |
| Region 3 | 90000 BTU/sq ft |
| Region 4 | 100000 BTU/sq ft |
| Region 5 | 120000 BTU/sq ft |
How To Pick The Right Size Window AC Unit For 2000 Sq Ft?
Picking the right size window AC unit for 2000 sq ft homes needs to go through plenty of factors, and the room size is the primary one.
Room size
Below is the list of BTUs required for a different size room:
| Room Size | BTU Required |
|---|---|
| 100 to 150 sq. ft. | 5,000 BTUs |
| 150 to 250 sq. ft. | 6,000 BTUs |
| 250 to 300 sq. ft. | 7,000 BTUs |
| 300 to 350 sq. ft. | 8,000 BTUs |
| 350 to 400 sq. ft. | 9,000 BTUs |
| 400 to 450 sq. ft. | 10,000 BTUs |
| 450 to 550 sq. ft. | 12,000 BTUs |
| 550 to 700 sq. ft. | 14,000 BTUs |
| 700 to 1,000 sq. ft. | 18,000 BTUs |
| 1,000 to 1,200 sq. ft. | 21,000 BTUs |
| 1,200 to 1,400 sq. ft. | 23,000 BTUs |
| 1,400 to 1,500 sq. ft. | 24,000 BTUs |
| 1,500 to 2,000 sq. ft. | 30,000 BTUs |
| 2,000 to 2,500 sq. ft. | 34,000 BTUs |
These AC sizes are listed based on an 8-foot ceiling height. But if your room has a higher ceiling than 8 feet, you can increase the BTUs by up to 10%.
Effects of sunlight
The room gets lots of sunlight and needs extra energy to remain cool and comfortable. This type of room requires a 10% larger AC unit than usual.
Available electrical power
Most of the bigger windows require more power, while some require special outlets.
Consider the type of power outlet that is available as well as the amount of power it can deliver in order to select the best window AC unit based on the existing configuration.
If you are confused about electrical outlets, consult with an expert electrician.
Window AC size for kitchens
The kitchen requires more energy to remain cool, so it needs a bigger AC unit than a room.
The kitchen generally has plenty of heat-producing appliances that make the cooling task difficult.
To make the kitchen cool after using the oven or stove, you should consider adding an extra 4000 BTUs to the standard requirement.
Number of people
The human body also produces heat that makes the room warm. For a room where more than two people live, you will need a window AC 10% to 20% larger than usual.
Cost of operation
Bigger AC units will consume more electricity, which will increase the electricity bill in the end. So consider your AC unit’s maintenance budget as well.
Size of the window
If the window of your room accepts one larger AC unit, install two smaller sizes of AC. If your room has two windows, you can also consider in-room AC rather than window AC.
Factors to consider for AC Unit
As a general guideline, the following factors should be considered:
Climate and insulation:
Consider the climate of your region and the level of insulation in your home. Warmer climates may require larger units, while well-insulated homes may need smaller units.
Square footage:
Measure the total square footage of the space that needs to be cooled, including all rooms and areas that will be included in the air conditioning system.
Cooling capacity:
A rule of thumb is to use 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot of living space.
For a 2000 square foot area, this would mean a total cooling capacity of 40,000 BTUs.
Other factors:
Other factors to consider include ceiling height, number of windows, and other unique considerations that may affect the cooling requirements of your space.
FAQs on What Size AC Unit For 2000 Square Feet
Can I install the AC unit myself?
It is not recommended to install an AC unit yourself, as it requires specific knowledge and expertise.
Can I save money by choosing a smaller AC unit for my 2000 square foot space?
While a smaller AC unit may be less expensive upfront, it may end up costing more in the long run due to increased energy consumption and potential wear and tear on the system.
Will the size of the AC unit affect energy efficiency?
Yes, choosing the right size AC unit can help ensure optimal energy efficiency.
Final words
You should know what size AC unit to get for 2,000 square feet by now.
We have offered a short and sweet answer based on different criteria, as well as briefly discussed the determining formula.
So, whether your room is 2000 square feet or other different sizes, installing the right size AC should be like a piece of cake for you.
