(954) 372-3440The right air conditioner makes a big difference in your comfort, energy bills, and overall satisfaction. Obviously, your A/C unit will be running for most of the year in Florida, so invest accordingly. This blog will help you choose the right unit based on square footage, availability of ducts, price, and other factors. If you need any help, please get in touch!
We offer AC repair in Pembroke Pines, air conditioning repair in Davie, and servicing all throughout the Broward County area. We would be happy to make your home cool again.
How Much Square Footage Do You Need to Cool?
AC systems are rated by their cooling capacity, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. The general rule of thumb is that you need about 20 BTUs per square foot of living space. For example, a 1,000-square-foot home typically requires a system with a capacity of 20,000 BTUs, while a 2,000-square-foot home might need closer to 40,000 BTUs.
For small to mid-sized homes, typically ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet, a 2- to 3-ton system (24,000–36,000 BTUs) often provides sufficient cooling. Larger homes, especially those over 2,500 square feet, may require a 4- to 5-ton unit (48,000–60,000 BTUs). However, bigger isn’t always better. An oversized system may cool your space quickly but fail to remove enough humidity, leaving your home feeling sticky and uncomfortable while potentially attracting pests like bugs.
The layout of your home also matters. Open-concept designs with fewer walls allow air to flow naturally, making it easier to cool evenly. But homes with multiple levels or irregular layouts may require additional ductwork or separate cooling zones to address hot spots. We do not recommend making this choice yourself – call a professional air conditioning repair contractor in Miramar for help.
Do You Have Ductwork Already, or Must You Add It?
Homes with existing ductwork can typically accommodate a central air system or heat pump without much additional work. If you’re building a new home or remodeling, installing ductwork can be straightforward if there is easy access to spaces like the attic, basement, or crawlspace.
For homes where installing ductwork is challenging or impossible, ductless mini-split systems are a good alternative. In some cases, a home may be able to accommodate a heat pump or central air on the first floor, then a mini split system upstairs where the ducts can’t reach. Mini splits use individual units installed in different rooms or zones, and this setup makes them great for older homes, additions, or spaces where ducts can’t reach.
The architecture of your home plays a big role here. Homes with flat roofs or limited attic space may require creative solutions to run ducts, while those with accessible crawlspaces or basements are a bit more accommodating. If you aren’t sure, call your local contractor for an expert opinion.
Do You Need Different Cooling Zones?
Zoned systems allow you to control the temperature in specific areas independently, which is especially helpful in larger homes or homes with rooms that are rarely used.
Ductless mini-splits will each cool a separate zone, so they are a good fit here. However, traditional central air systems can be adapted for zoning by installing dampers in the ductwork and using a smart thermostat to control airflow. Zoning not only improves comfort by addressing hot or cold spots, but it can also save energy by cooling only the areas you’re using.
In Florida, where your HVAC costs are already fairly high, you will want to find a system that allows you to focus the cool air on bedrooms at night, then in living spaces during the day. It will save you money and prolong the life of your air conditioning.
The Most Durable Air Conditioning Systems
Your air conditioner will face heavy use throughout the year, so plan accordingly. It’s definitely worth spending more for a high quality system.
When it comes to central air systems, Trane, Carrier, and Lennox typically lead the pack. Trane is known for its construction and reliable compressors. This will help you in the long term. Carrier, a household name in the US, offers systems with corrosion-resistant materials specifically designed to withstand salty and humid environments. Lennox is known for variable-speed motors that improve performance and minimize wear (this is often the go-to model for efficiency).
As far as heat pumps are concerned, Rheem and American Standard are great choices. Rheem’s heat pumps are priced more competitively, and American Standard would be considered a higher end option.
Ductless mini-split systems are generally led by Mitsubishi and Daikin. If you have any questions at all about which air conditioning system you’ll need at home in Broward County, please give us a call.
What SEER Rating Do You Need in Florida?
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating measures an air conditioner’s cooling efficiency. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system.
As of 2023, Florida requires a minimum SEER rating of 14 for new air conditioners, but many homeowners find systems with ratings of 16 or higher. High-SEER units use technology like variable-speed compressors and smart thermostats to optimize energy use. In fact, we often help people set up smart thermostats or fix their existing ones.
Finding the Right AC for Your Florida Home
You’ll need to balance budget, long term replacement costs, and your home’s unique layout when choosing an air conditioner in Florida. It’s best to consult with an AC Repair contractor in Southwest Ranches if you are thinking about installing a new unit. We also recommend regular tuneups and maintenance – this will always prolong the life of your unit and lead to better performance.