What Size Air Conditioner Do You Need for a Studio Apartment in Mesquite, TX

What size air conditioner works best for studio apartments? As the trusted provider of AC services in Mesquite, TX, Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating helps you choose the perfect device. From Lawson to Bridgeview Estates, people like you rely on our advice to keep their homes safe and comfortable, no matter the time of year.

How To Determine an Air Conditioner’s Size and Why It Matters

Did you know air conditioners come in different sizes? Choosing the right one is important because an undersized model can’t adequately cool your space. An oversized one wastes energy, and you’ll pay a considerable amount to cool your home.

Experts use a BTU rating to measure an air conditioner’s cooling capacity. Short for British Thermal Unit, the higher the number, the better the cooling power. In general, you need about 20 BTUs per square foot of living space.

If you have a studio apartment, you likely need a wall-through or window unit. They typically range in size from 5,000 to 15,000 BTUs. If your studio can support a ductless mini-split, you can find single units up to 24,000.

Best Tips for Choosing the Correct Air Conditioner for Your Mesquite Studio Apartment

In general, you can choose the size based on the square footage of your studio apartment. However, several factors can determine whether you need a smaller or larger air conditioning system. Use these tips to ensure you choose the right portable air conditioner.

Number of Windows and Amount of Sunlight

What size air conditioner works best for studio apartments? If you have significant sunlight entering the space, you may need a larger device. Consider factoring in the room size and adding about 10% additional power.

Sunlight is one of the biggest factors that determine the energy efficiency of your home. It can quickly heat the home and force your device to work longer and harder. Think about the following:

• Number of windows 
• The direction they face (Southern exposure gets consistent sunlight) 
• Window size 

Local Climate Including Humidity Levels

The local climate plays a major role in determining what size air conditioner you need. Mesquite has a humid subtropical climate, which means you’ll need to account for nearly year-round use and significant moisture in the air.

If you live in a cooler or more temperate climate, you can often invest in an air conditioner with lower BTUs than suggested. However, in East Texas, you’ll need one higher than typical.

Building’s Insulation Quality From All Sources

Consider the quality of both building-wide and studio-specific insulation. For example, if the apartment complex has a great roof, it can keep some heat from infiltrating the building.

When it comes to your Mesquite apartment, think about the following:

• Do your windows leak, and do you have blackout curtains to keep the sun out? 
• Can nearby trees provide natural shade during the hottest time of day? 
• Do your vents and ducts have any leaks where cold air could leak out? 

The more sunlight and heat you can block, the better. With the right techniques, you can find a cost-effective and energy-efficient cooling system.

Room’s Layout Including Height and Nooks

What size air conditioner works best for studio apartments? That depends partially on the layout of your room and building.

For example, if you live on the tenth floor, much of the heat from the lower apartments will rise to your room. You’ll need a more powerful device than you would for a first-floor studio.

Also, consider the layout of your room. If you have unusual nooks and crannies rather than traditional square rooms, you may need more energy to keep these areas cool. High ceilings or peaks also retain more heat than low and flat spaces.

Number of People Living There Full Time

The body heat you generate may seem minuscule, but it matters. A studio apartment that has two or three people living there full time will require a more powerful device than a bachelor pad. You don’t need to factor in occasional guests or gatherings.