We deliberately do not give figures in this article: prices vary by brand, capacity, piping and city, and they become outdated quickly. If you send us the details, we prepare a written, itemized quote.
How many BTU for which room?
The table below is a rough starting point for rooms with average insulation and normal ceiling height. A higher capacity may be needed for rooms that face south or west, are in an attic, have large windows or are crowded; a lower capacity may be enough for north-facing, well-insulated rooms.
| Capacity | Approximate room area | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 9000 BTU | Small rooms | Bedroom, small study |
| 12000 BTU | Medium-sized rooms | Large bedroom, small living room, office |
| 18000 BTU | Large rooms | Living room, living room with open kitchen, shop |
| 24000 BTU | Very large areas | Large living room, store, meeting room |
Preliminary calculation for your own room: air conditioner BTU calculator. Detailed explanation: how many BTU air conditioner should I buy.
Items that determine air conditioner price
| Item | Why does it make a difference? |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Larger capacity means a larger compressor and coil. |
| Energy efficiency | A high SEER/SCOP value raises the purchase price but lowers the bill. |
| Inverter | Most units sold today are inverter; it provides savings and comfort. |
| Refrigerant type | Low-GWP gases such as R32 and R290 are becoming common in new units: air conditioner refrigerant types. |
| Heating performance | If it will also be used in winter, heating capacity at low outdoor temperatures is important. |
| Extra features | Wi-Fi, ionizer, filter options, quiet mode. |
| Installation | Pipe length, wall breaking, bracket, high facade, drain pump: air conditioner installation. |
The 4 most common mistakes
- Buying too small a capacity: the unit runs at full power all the time, falls short and uses a lot.
- Buying too large a capacity: the room cools quickly but humidity is not removed, and the unit cycles on and off often.
- Looking only at the unit price: the extra electricity a low-efficiency unit uses can close the price gap within a few seasons.
- Skimping on installation: an installation without vacuuming and with wrongly sloped drainage shortens the unit's life and puts the warranty at risk.
For multiple rooms
Separate split air conditioners for several rooms, or a multi air conditioner connected to a single outdoor unit? It depends on the facade appearance, outdoor unit location and usage habits: multi air conditioner or split.
Let's choose the right air conditioner for your room together
Tell us your room dimensions, facade direction and how you use it; we will prepare a written quote with capacity and installation included.
When is it advantageous to buy?
In the summer season both sales and installation workload rise sharply, and you may have to wait for installation. Planning the purchase and installation of your air conditioner in spring both shortens the wait and has the unit ready for the first hot days.
Frequently asked questions
How many square meters does a 12000 BTU air conditioner cover?
It suits medium-sized rooms with average insulation and normal ceiling height. It may not be enough for rooms that get a lot of sun or are crowded; check with the calculator.
18000 BTU or 24000 BTU?
It depends on the living room's floor area, glazing area, sun exposure and whether there is an open kitchen. If you are on the borderline, we calculate the heat load at the site survey.
Is installation included in the air conditioner price?
It varies by seller. Ask for the scope of standard installation (pipe length, bracket, vacuum, drainage) in writing.
When should I buy an air conditioner?
Buying in spring, before the summer rush, reduces the wait for installation.