Do I Need a Bigger Home AC System? Here’s How to Know
August 15, 2025
It's summertime in Charlotte, and this one's a scorcher. If you're like most of us, you've probably been soaking up the cool comfort of your air conditioner every chance you get. But when it comes time to upgrade or replace your unit, one crucial question arises: What size air conditioner do I need for my house? It's a smart question—and the correct answer can make all the difference in staying cool efficiently.
The truth is that both undersized and oversized AC systems can lead to indoor comfort problems. The goal is to invest in a perfectly sized system to achieve better comfort, efficiency, and energy savings.
How Big of an AC Unit Do I Need?
Wondering how big of an AC unit you need? AC units are typically sized in BTUs per hour. BTUs stand for British Thermal Units, and they are simply a measurement of cooling capacity. A general rule of thumb is that your AC needs 20 BTUs per square foot of living space. So, the square footage and the BTUs help determine the correct size. Clear as mud? We know this may sound technical. But don't worry, the experts at Brothers are only a call away when you need to know what size air conditioning unit you need.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
If you purchase an AC unit that is too large for your home...
- Your AC will short-cycle (turn off and on frequently), causing it to overwork.
- It may cool your home unevenly, leaving you with hot and cold spots.
- Your energy bills may increase since it wastes energy cycling on and off.
- It may decrease the lifespan of your system due to the extra stress of cycling on and off.
- You may experience poor dehumidification. (If your system short cycles, the cooling system doesn't have enough time to remove moisture from the air.)
If you purchase an AC unit that is too small for your home...
- Your AC will run constantly, and likely won't be able to lower the temperature.
- Your air may become more humid since the air can't cool effectively.
- Your system will strain to keep up and may break down.
- You won't experience desired comfort as your system struggles to cool your home.
As you can tell, an appropriately sized AC unit is critical for true comfort, energy savings, and lasting efficiency. But knowing the right size AC for your home doesn't need to be stressful. If you're wondering, "Do I need a bigger home AC system?"—the team at Brothers can easily evaluate your home and recommend the proper size for your needs. Leave it to us!
Lastly, to keep your system running in peak condition and maintain good energy efficiency, here are some standard practices you can do yourself to maintain a healthy system.
- Change air filters regularly (every three months)
- Consider keeping your temperature setting between 72 and 78 degrees
- Invest in a programmable or smart thermostat
- Call Brothers if you ever wonder, What size air conditioning unit do I need?!