BTU Sizing Guide

1

MINI-SPLIT BTU GUIDE

Use this guide to find the right size mini-split for your room or space.

9,000 BTU

Covers up to 150 – 300 sq ft

Best for: Small bedrooms, offices, nurseries, and small rooms

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12,000 BTU

Covers up to 300 – 500 sq ft

Best for: Large bedrooms, home offices, small living rooms

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18,000 BTU

Covers up to 500 – 750 sq ft

Best for: Living rooms, garages, basements, medium spaces

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24,000 BTU

Covers up to 750 – 1,000 sq ft

Best for: Large living rooms, open-plan areas, large garages

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36,000 BTU

Covers up to 1,000 – 1,500 sq ft

Best for: Very large open spaces or multi-zone configurations

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Home size is a guide. Insulation, climate, and home construction can affect the ideal system size.

2

WHOLE-HOME (CENTRAL) BTU GUIDE

Use this guide to find the right size central system for your whole home.

	24,000 BTU(2 Ton)	30,000 BTU(2.5 Ton)	36,000 BTU(3 Ton)	48,000 BTU(4 Ton)	60,000 BTU(5 Ton)
Home Size (Sq Ft)	1,000 – 1,200	1,200 – 1,400	1,400 – 1,700	1,700 – 2,200	2,200 – 2,800
Best For	Smaller homes, apartments	Small to medium homes	Medium homes	Large homes	Very large homes
System Type	Ducted or Packaged	Ducted or Packaged	Ducted or Packaged	Ducted System	Ducted System
	View 2 Ton Systems →	View 2.5 Ton Systems →	View 3 Ton Systems →	View 4 Ton Systems →	View 5 Ton Systems →

Home size is a guide. Insulation, climate, and home construction can affect the ideal system size.

What Affects Your Sizing?

These factors can increase or decrease the BTU capacity you need.

Room Size

The larger the space, the more BTUs you need.

Ceiling Height

Higher ceilings require more cooling/heating.

Sun Exposure

More windows or direct sunlight adds heat load.

Insulation

Better insulation improves efficiency and reduces load.

Climate

Colder or hotter climates require more capacity.

Layout

Open-plan layouts may need more BTU capacity.

Avoid These Sizing Mistakes

Choosing the wrong size can lead to comfort issues and higher costs.

Too Small

Won't keep up on the hottest or coldest days. Leads to discomfort and higher energy use.

Too Large

Short cycling, uneven temps, humidity issues and reduced efficiency.

Wrong System Type

Mini-split vs. central system — choosing the wrong type leads to poor results.

Wrong Voltage

Using the wrong voltage can cause installation delays and added costs.

Still not sure?

Try our Help Me Choose tool. Answer a few quick questions and we'll recommend the perfect system for you.

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