Ductless Air Conditioner Size Calculator

Ductless air conditioner sizes, measured in BTU (British Thermal Units), typically range from 6,000 BTU for smaller rooms (150-250 square feet) to 36,000 BTU for larger areas (1,800-2,300 square feet). Choosing the right size depends on your room’s dimensions and insulation, ensuring efficient and effective cooling or heating. Consultation with an HVAC professional is recommended for precise sizing.

Ductless Air Conditioner Size Calculator

BTU (British Thermal Units)	Room Size (Square Feet)
6,000 BTU	150-250
8,000 BTU	250-350
10,000 BTU	350-450
12,000 BTU	450-550
15,000 BTU	550-700
18,000 BTU	700-900
20,000 BTU	900-1,100
24,000 BTU	1,100-1,400
30,000 BTU	1,400-1,800
36,000 BTU	1,800-2,300

FAQs

1. How big of a ductless AC do I need? The size you need depends on the size of the room you want to cool. As a rough estimate, you might need around 12,000 BTU for a 350-450 square foot room, 18,000 BTU for a 550-700 square foot room, and 24,000 BTU for a 800-1,000 square foot room.
2. What size room will a 12,000 BTU mini-split cool? A 12,000 BTU mini-split can cool a room of approximately 350-450 square feet.
3. How many square feet will an 18,000 BTU mini-split cool? An 18,000 BTU mini-split can cool a room of approximately 550-700 square feet.
4. How many square feet will a 24,000 BTU mini-split cool? A 24,000 BTU mini-split can cool a room of approximately 800-1,000 square feet.
5. Is 12,000 BTU enough for a mini-split? It’s suitable for smaller rooms, but for larger spaces or open-plan areas, you might need a higher BTU unit.
6. What size room will 18,000 BTU cool? An 18,000 BTU unit can cool a room of approximately 550-700 square feet.
7. Is 12,000 BTU too much for a bedroom? A 12,000 BTU unit can be used in a bedroom, but it may be overkill for smaller bedrooms. It’s essential to consider the room’s size and insulation.
8. What size room will 24,000 BTU cool? A 24,000 BTU unit can cool a room of approximately 800-1,000 square feet.
9. Do I need a ductless unit in every room? It depends on your cooling needs and budget. You can install ductless units in multiple rooms, but you can also use a single unit for an open-plan area.
10. How big is a 24,000 BTU mini-split? A 24,000 BTU mini-split typically consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor unit. The indoor unit is usually compact and can be wall-mounted.
11. What size room will a 15,000 BTU air conditioner cool? A 15,000 BTU air conditioner can cool a room of approximately 450-600 square feet.
12. How many square feet will a 20,000 BTU mini-split cool? A 20,000 BTU mini-split can cool a room of approximately 600-750 square feet.
13. How many square feet will a 30,000 BTU mini-split cool? A 30,000 BTU mini-split can cool a room of approximately 900-1,200 square feet.
14. How big of a room will 25,000 BTU cool? A 25,000 BTU unit can cool a room of approximately 750-950 square feet.
15. How much electricity does a 24,000 BTU air conditioner use per hour? A 24,000 BTU air conditioner can use around 2.2-2.5 kWh per hour.
16. Do mini splits use less electricity than window units? Generally, mini-split systems are more efficient and use less electricity than window units for the same cooling capacity.
17. What is the average cost of a 12,000 BTU mini-split? The cost can vary, but as of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the average cost of a 12,000 BTU mini-split system (including installation) could range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
18. What size room will a 12,000 BTU air conditioner do? A 12,000 BTU air conditioner is suitable for a room of approximately 350-450 square feet.
19. Is 24,000 BTU enough for a living room? A 24,000 BTU unit can cool a medium to large-sized living room, but it depends on factors like room size, insulation, and climate.
20. Does higher BTU use more electricity? Yes, generally, higher BTU units use more electricity because they have a larger cooling capacity.
21. Does higher BTU mean colder? Not necessarily. Higher BTU means the air conditioner can remove heat more quickly, but the temperature can be adjusted to achieve the desired level of cooling.
22. Does 12,000 BTU use a lot of electricity? A 12,000 BTU unit does use electricity, but it’s considered efficient for cooling rooms of its recommended size.
23. What happens if you have too much BTU? If your air conditioner has too much BTU for a small room, it may cool the room too quickly, leading to uneven temperature distribution and potential discomfort.
24. What size room will a 14,000 BTU air conditioner cool? A 14,000 BTU air conditioner can cool a room of approximately 400-550 square feet.
25. What size room will a 30,000 BTU cool? A 30,000 BTU unit can cool a room of approximately 900-1,200 square feet.
26. What size room needs 20,000 BTU? A room of approximately 600-750 square feet may require a 20,000 BTU air conditioner.
27. How do I calculate air conditioner BTU for room size? You can use this simple formula: BTU = (Length x Width x Height) / 10. Adjust for factors like insulation, sunlight, and local climate.
28. What are the disadvantages of ductless air conditioning? Disadvantages can include higher upfront costs, aesthetics of indoor units, and potential installation complexity.
29. Is ductless air conditioning worth it? It can be worth it for its energy efficiency and zoning capabilities, especially in homes without ductwork.
30. Is ductless AC cheaper to run? Ductless AC systems are often more energy-efficient, which can lead to lower running costs compared to traditional ducted systems.
31. How many square meters does a 24,000 BTU cover? A 24,000 BTU unit can cool approximately 45-55 square meters.
32. How much is a 24,000 BTU mini-split installed? The cost of a 24,000 BTU mini-split, including installation, can vary by region and other factors, but it might range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
33. What is the rule of thumb for ductless mini-splits? The rule of thumb is roughly 20 BTU per square foot of space, but factors like insulation and climate can affect this estimate.
34. What if AC is too big for a room? An oversized AC may short-cycle, leading to inefficient cooling and humidity problems. Proper sizing is important.
35. What size room is a 10,000 BTU AC good for? A 10,000 BTU AC is suitable for a room of approximately 300-400 square feet.
36. Is a 10,000 BTU AC good for a bedroom? Yes, a 10,000 BTU AC can be suitable for cooling a typical bedroom.
37. How much power does an 18,000 BTU mini-split use? An 18,000 BTU mini-split can use around 1.6-2.0 kWh per hour.
38. What size mini-split do I need for 1500 sq ft? For a 1,500 sq ft area, you might need a mini-split with around 36,000 BTU or more, depending on insulation and climate.
39. How many square feet will a 22,000 BTU air conditioner cool? A 22,000 BTU air conditioner can cool a room of approximately 650-800 square feet.
40. Can one mini-split cool multiple rooms? Yes, you can use a multi-zone mini-split system to cool multiple rooms with separate indoor units connected to one outdoor unit.
41. Can a mini-split heat a whole house? Mini-splits can provide both heating and cooling, but whether they can heat an entire house depends on the house’s size and layout.
42. Is 30,000 BTU a lot? A 30,000 BTU unit is relatively powerful and suitable for larger rooms or open spaces.
43. Is 10,000 BTU enough for a living room? A 10,000 BTU unit can cool a small to medium-sized living room, but it depends on factors like room size and insulation.
44. How many square feet will a 23,000 BTU air conditioner cool? A 23,000 BTU air conditioner can cool a room of approximately 700-850 square feet.
45. Is 18,000 BTU enough for a living room? An 18,000 BTU unit can cool a medium-sized living room, but it depends on factors like room size and insulation.
46. How many rooms can a 24,000 BTU unit cool? A 24,000 BTU unit can typically cool one larger room or a couple of smaller rooms if they are connected.
47. Do air conditioners use a lot of electricity? Air conditioner electricity usage depends on the size, efficiency, and usage pattern, but they can consume a significant amount of electricity.
48. How much does it cost to run a 10,000 BTU air conditioner for 24 hours? Running a 10,000 BTU air conditioner for 24 hours could cost around $2 to $3, depending on electricity rates.
49. Is it more efficient to leave a mini-split on? It’s generally more efficient to turn a mini-split off when it’s not needed to save energy.
50. What is the most energy-efficient mini-split? Energy efficiency varies by brand and model, but many high-quality mini-splits are designed to be energy-efficient.
51. How efficient are mini-splits in winter? Mini-splits can be highly efficient in heating mode, even in cold climates, as they use heat pump technology.
52. Is a 12,000 BTU air conditioner too big for a bedroom? A 12,000 BTU air conditioner may be considered overkill for a small bedroom, but it can still provide effective cooling.
53. Can an electrician install a mini-split system? While an electrician can handle some electrical aspects, it’s recommended to have a professional HVAC technician install a mini-split system due to the refrigeration components involved.
54. Why are mini-splits so expensive? Mini-splits can be expensive due to their advanced technology, energy efficiency, and the cost of installation.
55. Is 12,000 BTU enough for a mini-split? A 12,000 BTU mini-split is suitable for smaller rooms or as a supplemental cooling/heating source in larger spaces.
56. How many BTU do I need for a 12×12 room? For a 12×12 room (144 square feet), a 5,000-6,000 BTU air conditioner should suffice.
57. How big is a 24,000 BTU mini-split? A 24,000 BTU mini-split typically consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor unit. The indoor unit is usually compact and can be wall-mounted.
58. What size room will an 18,000 BTU air conditioner cool? An 18,000 BTU air conditioner can cool a room of approximately 550-700 square feet.
59. What size room will a 15,000 BTU air conditioner cool? A 15,000 BTU air conditioner can cool a room of approximately 450-600 square feet.
60. How much does it cost to run a 12,000 BTU air conditioner a day? Running a 12,000 BTU air conditioner for a day could cost around $2 to $3, depending on electricity rates.
61. How big of a room will a 25,000 BTU air conditioner cool? A 25,000 BTU air conditioner can cool a room of approximately 750-950 square feet.
62. What size room will a 12,000 BTU air conditioner cool? A 12,000 BTU air conditioner is suitable for a room of approximately 350-450 square feet.
63. Is 6,000 BTU enough for a bedroom? A 6,000 BTU air conditioner can be sufficient for a small to medium-sized bedroom.
64. How much electricity does a 12,000 BTU air conditioner use per month? A 12,000 BTU air conditioner running for an average of 8 hours per day can use around 480-600 kWh per month, depending on energy efficiency.
65. Does 12,000 BTU use a lot of electricity? It can use a moderate amount of electricity, but it’s considered efficient for cooling rooms of its recommended size.
66. What size room will a 9,000 BTU air conditioner cool? A 9,000 BTU air conditioner can cool a room of approximately 250-350 square feet.
67. How much electricity does a 10,000 BTU air conditioner use per hour? A 10,000 BTU air conditioner can use around 0.9-1.2 kWh per hour, depending on its efficiency.
68. Does higher BTU mean more electricity? Yes, generally, higher BTU air conditioners use more electricity because they have a larger cooling capacity.