What Size AC for a 3,000 Sq Ft House? | Cooling Power Guide
What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need for a 3,000 Square-Foot House? So you’ve got yourself a 3,000 sq. ft. house — congratulations, you’re basically running a small indoor province. Now comes the big question: “What size AC do I need so my home feels like comfort paradise, not a giant oven?” The Rule of Thumb Most HVAC pros use the classic rule: 20 BTUs per square foot. 3,000 sq. ft. × 20 BTUs = 60,000 BTUs That means you’ll need an air conditioner with about 5 tons of cooling power (since 12,000 BTUs = 1 ton). But Wait — It’s Not That Simple Other factors matter: Ceiling height – High ceilings = more air to cool. Sun exposure – Huge windows = hot house. Insulation quality – Drafty walls make ACs cry. Climate – A home in Vancouver doesn’t need the same power as one in Phoenix. What This Means in Real Life Single Central AC (5-ton) → The most efficient for whole-home cooling. Ductless Mini-Split System → Multiple indoor units tied to one big out...