Air Conditioner Capacity Guide: Choosing the Right Size

With the rise in air temperatures during the hot months of the year, the use of cooling systems becomes essential, and many types of such equipment are produced and supplied. Among the most common cooling systems are air conditioners and split units (BTU), which are available in different brands and capacities. Several factors influence the selection and capacity of a split air conditioner unit, including:

aircon capacity calculation

The area of the intended space
The floor level of the apartment
The climate of the region
Sunlight exposure angle
The type and number of doors and windows
The construction material of the walls and quality of insulation
Floor-to-ceiling height
The type of space usage
The number of occupants and their activity level
The type and number of lighting systems

The most important factor in choosing the right cooling capacity (BTU/hr) of an air conditioner or split unit is the area of the space. In the following, we will discuss how to select an air conditioner based on square meters.

Determining Split Air Conditioner Capacity by Area

In general, air conditioners and split units are supplied in capacities ranging from 9,000 to 90,000 BTU/hr in wall-mounted, portable, window, and floor-standing types. While several factors affect the exact capacity required, the most critical is the area of the space and whether it is located on the top floor directly under the roof (due to direct sun exposure).
For residential and office units located on middle floors in regions with climates similar to Armenia, Tajikistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Erbil, Kabul, Sulaymaniyah, and Aleppo, the cooling load is typically estimated at about 400 to 600 (BTU/hr) per square meter. For top-floor units directly under the roof, this increases to 600–800 (BTU/hr) per square meter due to direct sunlight on the roof.
To simplify the selection, the table below helps you estimate the approximate capacity of an air conditioner split unit based on the area of your space. You can also contact the HVAC specialists at DamaTajhiz for professional consultation.

Air Conditioner / Split Unit Capacity (BTU)	For the Top Floor Units (m²)	For Other Floors (m²)
9000	up to 12	up to 15
12000	up to 17	up to 22
18000	up to 25	up to 35
24000	up to 34	up to 45
32000	up to 45	up to 64
45000 (Floor Standing)	up to 55	up to 75
60000 (Floor Standing)	up to 75	up to 100
90000 (Floor Standing)	up to 110	up to 150

For example, if a unit is located on the top floor (under the roof), a 9,000 BTU split unit is suitable for a 12 m² room, a 12,000 BTU unit for a 17 m² room, an 18,000 BTU unit for a 25 m² room, a 24,000 BTU unit for a 40 m² hall, and a 32,000 BTU unit for a 45 m² hall.

Selecting the Best AC Capacity Based on Square Meters in Summary

In summary, the right air conditioner capacity mainly depends on your room size, along with factors like sunlight exposure, insulation, and floor level. By considering these points, you can choose an efficient AC that ensures comfort, saves energy, and matches your exact needs. In this article, we explained how to determine the cooling capacity of air conditioners and split units based on area. We hope this guide helps you select the right system for your needs.
To view and compare different air conditioners and split units from various brands and capacities, and to check updated prices, you can explore the DamaTajhiz group (the first and most reputable specialised company in HVAC systems since 2004, with three valid business licenses). For more information and consultation, you can also contact our HVAC experts during working hours.
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