What Size AC Unit For 2400 Square Feet? Ultimate Guide!

When it comes to purchasing a new air conditioning system, one of the first questions you should ask is what size air conditioner you require.

All you need is the proper size so that it will fit in your space. And, we will let you know, the best size of AC unit for your 2400 sqft area. 

What Size AC Unit Do I Need For 2400 Sq Ft Area?

For a 2400 square feet home, an AC unit offering 36,000 to 48,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour is recommended. Factors like climate, insulation, and home layout can influence the exact size required.

AC unit size list for 2400 sqft:

AC Size	Tonnage	BTU	Recommended AC
Small	3 Ton	36,000 BTU	Senville SENA-36HF/Q Quad Zone Mini Split AC Heat Pump
Medium	4 Ton	48,000 BTU	PIONEER Air Conditioner Inverter++ Split Heat Pump
Large	5 Ton	60,000 BTU	Cooper & Hunter Universal Floor Ceiling Ductless Mini Split AC

Different Types of AC Units Suitable for 2400 Square Feet Homes

Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioners are a top choice in the US. An outdoor unit and an indoor unit make up these systems. Cool air travels through your home via ducts.

These systems cool big areas and filter out dust. But they can be pricey. They might also increase energy bills.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split systems are getting popular. They have an outdoor and indoor unit too. Small lines connect these units. You can set the temperature for each room.

But they can be costly. Some may not like how they look indoors.

Window Air Conditioners

Window air conditioners are simple. All parts fit in one unit. You place this unit in a window. These units are affordable and cool rooms fast.

But they can be noisy. They also block light from the window.

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are free-standing. They are like window units but on wheels. A hose takes hot air outside. These units are easy to move.

But they can be loud and might not cool evenly.

Hybrid Air Conditioners

Hybrid air conditioners blend two systems. They can switch between electricity and gas. They save energy and money.

But they can be pricey. Your home might also need changes for them.

Geothermal Heating & Cooling

Geothermal systems use the earth’s heat. They have outdoor and indoor units. The earth’s temperature helps cool or heat homes. They work well all year.

They also help save energy. But they need a lot of yard space and are expensive.

What is the right size air conditioner for a 14×70 mobile home?

How to Determine the Right AC Size for 2400 Square Feet?

There are two main methods that you can use: understanding BTUs and tonnage and calculating room-by-room cooling needs.

Understanding BTUs and Tonnage

As I mentioned earlier, BTUs are a measure of how much heat an AC unit can remove from the air per hour.

Tonnage is another measure of how much cooling power an AC unit has. One ton of cooling is equivalent to 12,000 BTUs per hour.

To find out how many BTUs or tons of cooling you need for your home, you can use a simple formula:

BTUs = (Square Feet x 25) x (1 + (0.01 x Climate Factor))

The climate factor is a number that represents how hot or cold your location is on average during the summer months.

You can find out your climate factor by looking at this map:

Climate Factor Map, for example, if you live in an area, where your climate factor is 30 according to the map.

If your home is 2400 square feet in size, you can plug these numbers into the formula and get the following result:

BTUs = (2400 x 25) x (1 + (0.01 x 30))

BTUs = 90,000

This means that you need an AC unit that can produce 90,000 BTUs of cooling power per hour for your home.

To convert this number to tons, you can divide it by 12,000:

Tons = BTUs / 12,000

Tons = 90,000 / 12,000

Tons = 7.5

This means that you need a 7.5-ton AC unit for your home. Most AC units come in half-ton increments, such as 2.5 tons, 3 tons, or 4 tons.

In general, it is better to round up than to round down when choosing an AC size.

This is because an undersized AC unit will struggle to cool your home adequately and efficiently.

It will run longer and harder, consuming more energy and wearing out faster. It will also create more humidity and noise in your home.

On the other hand, an oversized AC unit will cool your home too quickly and unevenly.

It will cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy and causing temperature fluctuations.

It will also dehumidify your home too much, making it dry and uncomfortable.

Calculating Room-by-Room Cooling Needs

The second method of determining the right AC size for your home is to calculate the cooling needs of each room individually.

This method takes into account the specific characteristics and features of each room, such as the size, shape, orientation, insulation, windows, and heat sources.

To calculate the cooling needs of each room, you can use another formula:

BTUs = (Length x Width x Height x 5) x (1 + (0.01 x Climate Factor)) x (1 + (0.01 x Correction Factor))

You can find out your correction factor by adding or subtracting points from a base value of zero according to this table:

Feature	Points
North-facing window	+10
South-facing window	-10
East-facing window	+5
West-facing window	-5
Skylight	+15
Shaded window	-10
Double-glazed window	-10
Single-glazed window	+10
Poorly insulated wall	+15
Well insulated wall	-15
Poorly insulated ceiling	+15
Well insulated ceiling	-15
Poorly insulated floor	+10
Well insulated floor	-10
Vaulted ceiling	+15
Flat ceiling	0
Ceiling fan	-10
Fireplace	+10
Kitchen	+15
Bathroom	+10
Laundry room	+10
Sunroom	+20
Basement	-20

For example, if you have a room that is 15 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 8 feet high, with a north-facing window that is shaded and double-glazed, a well insulated wall and ceiling, a poorly insulated floor, a flat ceiling with a fan, and no fireplace or other heat sources, you can plug these numbers into the formula and get the following result:

BTUs = (15 x 12 x 8 x 5) x (1 + (0.01 x 30)) x (1 + (0.01 x (-10)))

BTUs = 7,200 x 1.3 x 0.9

BTUs = 8,496

So, you need an AC unit that can produce 8,496 BTUs of cooling power per hour for this room.

You can repeat this process for every room in your home and add up the results to get the total cooling needs of your home.

Then, you can divide the total by 12,000 to get the tonnage of the AC unit you need.

For example, if you have a home that consists of four rooms with the following cooling needs:

Room	BTUs
Room 1	8,496
Room 2	10,368
Room 3	12,240
Room 4	14,112

The total cooling needs of your home are:

Total BTUs = 8,496 + 10,368 + 12,240 + 14,112

Total BTUs = 45,216

The tonnage of the AC unit you need is:

Tons = Total BTUs / 12,000

Tons = 45,216 / 12,000

Tons = 3.77

That means you need a 3.77-ton AC unit for your home. Since this is not a standard size, you might want to round up to the nearest available size, such as 4 tons.

Factors Influencing AC Size Selection for 2400 Square Feet

Climate and Location

Your home’s location determines its climate. Hotter places need more cooling. For instance, Miami is warmer than Seattle.

Different cities have different cooling needs. If you’re in a hot area, you’ll need a stronger AC.

Home Insulation Quality

Good insulation keeps your home cool. It stops heat from coming in. If you touch your walls in the summer and they’re hot, your insulation might be weak.

This means your AC works harder. On the other hand, cool walls show strong insulation. Your AC will have an easier job.

Number of Windows and Their Orientation

Windows let sunlight in. Sunlight brings heat. More windows mean more heat. Think about their direction too. North windows get less sun. South windows get more.

So, the direction your windows face changes your cooling needs.

Ceiling Height

Tall ceilings mean more space to cool. Short ceilings mean less space. Larger rooms need more cooling.

For example, a big living room needs more cooling than a small bedroom. Knowing your room’s size helps pick the right AC.

Number of Occupants

People produce heat. The more people in your home, the hotter it gets. If you often have guests or a large family, your AC needs to be stronger.

Every person adds extra heat that the AC must handle.

Energy Efficiency and SEER Rating

A higher SEER rating means more efficiency. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Think of it as your AC’s MPG like in cars.

Higher is better. It means your AC cools more while using less power.

Building and Construction Type

Materials matter. Some homes are wood. Others are brick. Each type has different cooling needs.

Wood homes might need more cooling than stone ones. This is because stone can keep heat out better.

Budget Considerations

Higher budgets can buy stronger ACs. But remember, more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Sometimes, a cheaper AC can work just fine for your home.

Room Layout and Design

Open spaces let air flow freely. Good airflow helps to cool. If your home has many walls or closed areas, the cool air might not reach everywhere.

Think about where you’ll place the AC. Make sure cool air can reach every corner.

Presence of Heat-Producing Appliances

Some devices produce heat. Ovens, computers, and TVs are examples. These add extra heat to your home. If you use them a lot, you’ll need a stronger AC.

Try using them when it’s cooler, like in the evening. This reduces the load on your AC.

Best AC Unit for 2400 SQFT

1. Senville SENA-36HF/Q Quad Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump, 36000 BTU

2. PIONEER Air Conditioner Inverter++ Split Heat Pump, 48,000 BTU, 208-230 V

3. Cooper & Hunter 60,000 BTU Universal Floor Ceiling Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner 230V With Wall Thermostat

How to Maximize Efficiency of Your AC in a 2400 Square Feet Space?

Regular Maintenance and Cleaning

One way to boost your AC’s performance is through regular maintenance. Clean your AC often. This keeps it working at its best.

Make sure to replace the air filters monthly. The coils, fins, and drains need cleaning every year. Professional inspections are important.

Consider having a pro check your AC yearly.

Smart Thermostats and Zoning

Using smart thermostats can save you money. They help set the right temperature. Adjust the settings for different times. For example, make it cooler when you sleep.

Adjust settings based on the weather too. Zoning systems are great. They focus on cooling where it’s needed most.

Maybe one room gets more sun. Send more cool air there.

Shade and Window Treatments

Sunlight makes your home hot. Blocking it helps your AC. Use awnings or overhangs to shade windows. Trees also offer great shade.

Covering windows from the inside is smart too. Use curtains or blinds. Pick materials that reflect sunlight. Light colors are best.

They keep the heat out. This makes your AC’s job easier.

FAQs About The Right Size AC Unit For 2400 sqft

The Final Thoughts

Finding the right AC unit size for your 2400 square feet space can be game-changing.

With the perfect match, you’ll enjoy consistent comfort and reduced energy bills.

Remember, investing in the right size means investing in your home’s efficiency and comfort. Your ideal cooling solution awaits!