Choosing the right size air conditioner for your home in Shreveport or Bossier City isn’t just about comfort—it’s about efficiency, cost, and long-term performance.
If your unit is too small, it’ll constantly struggle to keep up with demand. Too big, and it’ll short-cycle, cool unevenly, and fail to remove enough humidity. At SBC Cooling & Heating, our Bossier City air conditioning experts and Shreveport air conditioning experts are here to help you get it right the first time.
Whether you’re planning a new installation or replacing an aging system, here’s how to figure out what size air conditioner you actually need.
Why AC Size Matters
Size plays a huge role in how well your AC system performs. A properly sized unit ensures consistent cooling, energy efficiency, and a longer lifespan for the system. An undersized system will run non-stop and still leave you sweating. An oversized one will power on and off too frequently, wearing down components and wasting energy.
Getting the right size means striking a balance. And that’s where we come in—with expert load calculations, tailored recommendations, and support every step of the way. Our Shreveport AC installation team specializes in helping homeowners choose systems that match their home’s exact needs.
What Are BTUs and Why Do They Matter?
Air conditioners are measured in BTUs—British Thermal Units. In simple terms, BTUs tell us how much heat an AC system can remove from your home each hour. The higher the BTU rating, the more powerful the cooling capacity.
Here’s a rough estimate of the BTUs needed based on square footage:
- 700–1,000 sq. ft.: 18,000 BTUs
- 1,000–1,200 sq. ft.: 21,000 BTUs
- 1,200–1,400 sq. ft.: 23,000 BTUs
- 1,400–1,500 sq. ft.: 24,000 BTUs
- 1,500–2,000 sq. ft.: 30,000 BTUs
- 2,000–2,500 sq. ft.: 34,000 BTUs
While these numbers offer a solid starting point, there’s much more to the equation.
How to Estimate Your AC Size
One rule of thumb is to multiply the square footage of the space you’re cooling by 25. For example, if your home is 1,500 sq. ft., the base BTU estimate would be around 37,500. But again, this is only a ballpark figure.
Factors like ceiling height, insulation, number of windows, and even how much sunlight hits your home in the afternoon can all influence what size AC is truly appropriate.
If you’re adding a mini-split or ductless system for a single room or zone, we can calculate the BTUs needed for each specific space. For whole-home systems, we’ll look at the entire building envelope to ensure accuracy.
Sun Exposure and Insulation Adjustments
Homes that receive a lot of direct sunlight—especially during Louisiana’s hot afternoons—often need more cooling power. In these cases, we may recommend increasing the base BTU count by about 10%.
On the flip side, heavily shaded homes or rooms with exceptional insulation might need slightly less cooling capacity. That’s why an in-person consultation is always the best way to get precise results.
We also consider:
- How many people live in the home (more people = more body heat)
- How often you cook or use heat-generating appliances
- Whether you have an open floor plan or many closed-off rooms
These details matter—and we factor them all in when recommending the right size system.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY This
Online calculators and general rules of thumb can give you a rough idea, but sizing an AC system is too important to leave to chance. You’ll get better results—and fewer headaches—by working with a professional air conditioning installer in Shreveport.
At SBC Cooling & Heating, we use industry-standard Manual J load calculations to assess your home’s cooling needs. This method evaluates dozens of variables, from square footage to duct condition to insulation R-values. It’s how we ensure your system performs exactly the way it should.
What Happens If You Pick the Wrong Size?
Let’s say you go too small:
- The AC runs constantly but never fully cools your home
- Your energy bills skyrocket
- The unit wears out faster due to overwork
Too large?
- It cools your space too quickly without dehumidifying
- You get hot and cold spots throughout the home
- Short cycling puts extra strain on the compressor
Both scenarios cost you comfort and money. But with proper sizing, your system runs more efficiently, your home stays consistently cool, and your investment lasts longer.
What About Heat Pumps and Zoned Systems?
If you’re considering a heat pump or ductless mini-split system, sizing works a bit differently. Heat pumps require sizing for both cooling and heating loads, which can vary depending on your insulation, home design, and climate zone.
Ductless systems often use separate air handlers in each room or zone, so we’ll size each zone individually. Whether you’re upgrading a sunroom or installing AC in a garage apartment, we’ll determine the best BTU rating per zone for balanced comfort.
Keep It Running at Peak Performance
Even a perfectly sized AC system needs regular upkeep to maintain efficiency. Our AC maintenance plans in Shreveport include seasonal tune-ups to catch minor issues before they turn into big ones.
Routine service includes:
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Cleaning coils and filters
- Inspecting electrical components
- Testing airflow and thermostat function
And if you’re already experiencing inconsistent cooling, rising bills, or frequent breakdowns, our AC repair team is here to help.
Need Help Sizing Your Next AC System?
Choosing the right AC size is the foundation of long-term comfort and energy savings. Don’t guess—get expert guidance from the pros at SBC Cooling & Heating. We serve homeowners across Shreveport and Bossier City with honest recommendations, detailed load calculations, and reliable installations.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your AC sizing consultation with a trusted AC installer in Shreveport, LA.
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