Split system air conditioning is one of the best and most efficient ways to keep your home cool and comfortable no matter what the Caribbean climate throws at you. Knowing what size split system you need for your home is important to keep your costs down and the split system’s performance up.
At RAC Masters, one of the most common questions we encounter is: ‘What Size Split System Do I Need?’
We’ve created this quick split system size guide to help to explain why split system size is important, and what factors you should consider and how best to calculate your unit’s size requirements.
Why Split System Size Matters
While it might seem intuitive to think that larger and more expensive split systems will be better for your home, or that smaller split systems will be more cost-effective: don’t be fooled! The key with split system air conditioning in any space is efficiency. Efficiency is estimated by a ratio of power input to cooling and heating capacity/size (measured in kilowatts, kW).
When a system is too big, it will cycle too rapidly through its intended on-again/off-again cycles, which chews up power and results in increased bills. On the other hand, when a split system is too small, it will overwork itself trying to keep a set temperature. This means the unit might wear out quicker and will use a lot of power, which will increase maintenance costs and also bills. Not to mention that inappropriately sized units can affect manufacturer warranties if they are deemed ‘not fit for purpose’ according to the size of the space they were installed in.
Efficient split systems will cool, heat and humidify your space comfortably and avoid temperature extremes or dry air. They will protect you from excessive energy overconsumption, maintenance costs and ultimately reduce your household costs.
HOW TO WORK OUT WHAT SIZE SPLIT SYSTEM I NEED?
The main factors to consider when working out what size split system you need for your space are: insulation; room size; windows and doors; house orientation; and external climate. Having an understanding of these factors will help determine what size split system you may require.
Insulation
Insulation provides a way of sealing off a space from the external environment. This allows better maintenance of a set temperature. Insulated spaces will require less power to heat or cool, so they may be more efficiently serviced by smaller split systems.
Room Size
Larger rooms tend to require larger capacity, more powerful split systems while smaller rooms tend to need smaller capacity units. For an approximate size guide according to the area of your space, see the table below.
| Size of Space | Type of Room | Air Conditioner Size |
| 20m2 or less | A small bedroom or study | 2–2.5kW |
| Between 20–40m2 | A mid-sized bedroom with ensuite or lounge | 2.5–5kW |
| Between 40–60m2 | Large lounge or bedroom, open-plan/large kitchen | 4–6kW |
| 60m2 or more | A studio apartment or open-plan living space | 5–9kW |
Windows And Doors
Windows and doors provide a conduit for external environments to affect a given space. They can allow for cold draughts, winds and sunlight to affect the temperature of a space and can impact your split system size needs.
Orientation
Sunlight provides natural heating so knowing where your house receives sunlight from will impact your cooling and heating needs. Barriers like trees or neighboring houses can help keep your space cool, also influencing your split system requirements.
External Climate
Unsurprisingly, your location and its climate will impact the internal temperatures in your home. Adjusting your split system size according to the external climate of your home is an important consideration as hotter climates will require more heating.
Get A Professional To Help You
At the end of the day, the best way to know what size split system you need is by contacting an experienced professional who can evaluate and determine your split system air conditioning needs.
Don’t suffer in silence! If you’re ever wondering ‘what size split system do i need?’ then contact us today. At RAC Masters, our trained and skilled technicians are experts at getting people the right air conditioner.