Choosing the right air conditioning system for your home or commercial space is essential in order to get the most your investment. There are several factors to consider when choosing your ideal AC system. This includes the size of the space that you are looking to cool, the visual aesthetic you want to maintain and whether you have space or property restrictions. This air conditioner guide and calculator will help you find the ideal solution for your residential or commercial space.
What size air conditioner do I need?
The size of the air conditioning system you need will depend on the size of your space. Use our simple cooling calculator below to find the cooling watts required.
Tip: You can calculate your room size and glass area by multiplying the width (m) by the length (m).
What type of unit can I install?
There are a range of units to choose from, depending on whether you are looking for a residential or commercial system. The right unit for your home or commercial space will depend on your specific requirements.
Air Conditioner Size Guide and Calculator
Typical air conditioning systems range from 2.2kw to 6.5kw. The higher the watts, the more power the system has which allows it to cool a larger space.
- 2.8kw – Ideal for small rooms such as a typical bedroom, home office, consulting room or small retail space.
- 3.5kw – Suitable for installation in a medium living area, mid-sized dining area, mid-sized kitchen, medium retail space or medium office.
- 5.3kw – Suitable for installation in an open-plan living area, large kitchen/dining area, medium retail space, large office space or open-plan apartment
- 6.5kw – Suitable for installation in an open-plan living area, open-plan kitchen, large retail space, open-plan office and large server room.
Wall Mounted Units
Wall mounted air conditioning units are one of the most common type of installation in UK homes. They are popular for their versatility. If you are looking for a cost-effective solution, this type of unit is ideal. They are easy to retrofit and can be installed within one day.
A single 2.8-3.5kw unit can cool a small to average sized room. If you are looking to cool a larger space, the 5.3-6.4kw units are ideal for medium to large open plan spaces. In addition, you can install up to 5 units to a single system. This means that you could install units in different rooms and control the temperature settings separately.
Ducted Units
Ducted air conditioning units are generally a little more expensive to install than wall mounted units. This type of system is designed to be almost entirely hidden, making it one of the most discreet and aesthetically pleasing air conditioning solutions. They are ideal for both commercial and residential installations.
Ducted units are usually installed in a suspended ceiling. The only visible element are small grilles in the wall or ceiling. Unlike wall mounted units, ducted grilles cannot be controlled separately, and the whole system produces the same temperature.
Ceiling Cassette Units
Ceiling cassette air conditioning units are a common installation in modern commercial properties such as large offices and restaurants. They feature four-way air flow, which will benefit spaces that have multiple areas that need cooling. This also provides even cooling distribution.
Ceiling cassette units are hidden within a suspended ceiling. A single unit will provide balanced cooling for an entire room. If you don’t have a suspended ceiling, a wall mounted unit would be the better option.
Water Cooled Units
Water cooled air conditioning units are designed for properties with restrictions. They are installed completely internally and do not require an external condenser unit. These units are the only alternative to traditional air conditioning units.
The key difference is that water cooled units are plumbed into your mains water supply. They use water in a controlled manner to cool the air. They are therefore ideal to install in apartments and Grade II listed buildings where an external condenser may not be permitted.
Talk to the Experts
At ACS, we dedicate ourselves to helping our customers find the ideal air conditioning solution for their property. That is why we created this air conditioner guide and size calculator. We are experts in traditional and in water cooled air conditioning solutions. Our team of expert engineers offer free consultations and site surveys, so please do not hesitate to get in touch for your free quote. In addition, you can reach us via phone on 0208 669 1112 or email at enquires@acs-installations.co.uk.
