What Size AC Unit For 1200 Square Feet?
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When it comes time to buy an air conditioner, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is what size unit you need. But what’s the right size for a room that’s 1200 square feet?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the size of the AC unit you need will vary depending on the climate and the layout of your home.
What Size AC Unit Do I Require For 1200 Square Feet?
In general, a unit that’s 1.75 to 2 Ton or 21,000 to 24,000 BTU should be adequate for a room that’s 1200 square feet.
But as we mentioned, there is no one size fits all answer to this question.
AC Size | BTU / Tonnage | Weather | Recommended AC |
---|---|---|---|
Smaller | 21,000 / 1.75 Ton | Normal | LG 230V Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner |
Average | 24,000 / 2 Ton | Warm | MrCool DIY 20 SEER Ductless Heat Pump Split System |
Larger | 30,000 / 2.5 Ton | Hot | Klimaire18 SEER Ductless Mini-Split Inverter AC |
Why Is A Right Size AC Important For a 1200 Sq Ft House?

Your air conditioner will run more effectively if it is the correct size for your home.
You may experience an unpleasant interior environment and greater energy expenditures if your system is too big or too tiny.
Too Small
When you buy an air conditioner that is too tiny for your house, the unit operates all the time and the inside temperature is rarely cold enough.
It’s also likely that your home’s temperature will be unevenly distributed.
Too Big
If you buy an air conditioner that’s too big for your house, it’ll turn on and off all the time.
The machine will switch on, swiftly drop the temperature inside, and then turn off.
>> What size air conditioner should I get?
Which Type of AC Is The Best For A 1,200 Sq Ft?

Air conditioners are categorized into three parts, each of which cools similarly.
Your home is most likely equipped with a ductless air conditioner, portable air conditioner, packaged air conditioner, or split-system air conditioner.
Split-system
Split-system air conditioners are the foremost common sort of air conditioner.
An outside unit and an inside unit work together to cool and adjust the humidity level in your house.
You may select this AC based on your preferred level of energy efficiency, noise level, and budget.
>> What size ac unit for 10×10 bedroom?
Dutchess

One outside unit connects to one or more inside units in a ductless air conditioner.
Because each room has its unit located on the ceiling, wall, or floor, you may make one room significantly colder or warmer than another.
Portable
A portable air conditioner may be the best alternative if you can’t attach an air conditioner to your windows.
These types normally sit on the floor and exhaust hot air through a flexible hose. The venting hose may normally fit through a narrow opening.
Packaged
A single exterior unit makes up a packaged air conditioner system.
The unit contains all required mechanical components, like the evaporator coil, compressor, and condensing coil.
The bundled system uses the ducting in your house to chill the proper areas.
How To Calculate The Proper Size Of An Air Conditioner For 1,200 Sqft?

Here are the steps to calculate the proper size of an air conditioner for a 1,200 square foot space:
Determine the cooling capacity needed
The cooling capacity of an air conditioner is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour.
To determine the cooling capacity needed for a 1,200 square foot space, multiply the square footage by 20.
The result is the approximate number of BTUs per hour needed to cool the space.
For example: 1,200 square feet x 20 = 24,000 BTUs per hour
Adjust for other factors
Other factors such as ceiling height, number of windows, insulation, and climate may affect the cooling capacity needed for a space.
For example, a space with high ceilings or large windows may require more cooling capacity. In hot and humid climates, a higher cooling capacity may also be needed.
Choose the appropriate AC unit size
Based on the calculated cooling capacity needed and any adjustments for other factors, choose an air conditioner unit size that matches or exceeds the required BTUs per hour.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a licensed HVAC professional to ensure that the chosen unit is appropriate for your specific space and needs.
>> What air conditioner size for 1400 sq ft?
What To Look For In An AC For A 1,200 Sq Ft?

Purchasing the appropriate size of an air conditioner is your greatest advantage; only the appropriate size of unit or system will efficiently and effectively keep you and your family comfortable.
Room Size
You must know the length, breadth, and height of the room.
While the floor area is crucial, overall volume is as well; a room with high ceilings will need more energy to cool.
Orientation
In the summer, a wide north- or west-facing window will let in a lot of heat, but a shaded, southern-facing window can keep you cool.
Cooling Capacity
Determine the amount of cooling power required for the space or your home. Don’t include sections that won’t be cooled, such as the basement, etc.
Measure The Square Footage
Calculate the square footage of the room you’ll be cooling. If the room isn’t square or rectangular, split it into squares and triangles and measure each area separately.
FAQs About The Right Size Air Conditioner For 1,200 Sqft
Is It Possible To Replace A 2-Ton Air Conditioner With A 3-Ton For A 1,200 Sq Ft?
Perhaps, this is dependent on the condition of your home.
If the 2-ton unit is operating well but does not seem to be meeting the thermostat setting, it may be undersized, and replacing it with a 3-ton unit may be the solution.
Where Should I Place The AC In My Room?
A room with a conventional 9-foot ceiling height has less volume than a home with a high ceiling.
To chill the space more efficiently, calculate one or two BTUs more than what is advised for the square footage of the room.
3. What Sort Of Plug, And Voltage Do I Require?
The voltage and amperage needs of your new AC will be determined by the plug type.
Make sure your new air conditioner meets your current electrical needs.
Attempting to put your air conditioner into a different plug type or voltage outlet may be quite dangerous.
4. Is Direct Airflow Important?
If you want to place the air conditioner in a window behind a couch or other impediment, directional ventilation is very critical.
If you buy an air conditioner, be sure it can distribute the cold air above or around any impediments.
Final Thoughts
It’s critical to know how to choose the proper size air conditioner for your 1,200 sqft area.
Good air conditioning will break down all of the possibilities and will work well with some of the current factors, such as temperature, which affect the outcome.