Are you trying to figure out what size air conditioner you need for your home in Brevard County? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not overthinking it. The size of your AC system plays a major role in how efficiently and comfortably your home stays cool, especially in Florida’s hot, humid climate.
At Quality Comfort Air Conditioning and Heating Inc., we’re here to break it all down in a simple, no-nonsense way—without any confusing HVAC jargon.
Residential air conditioning systems are measured in tons, which refers to the system's cooling capacity. Each ton equals 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour.
While many companies throw out quick guesses based on square footage, we use a more accurate rule of thumb:
One ton of cooling covers approximately 500 square feet of properly insulated living space.
So, for example:
But that’s just the starting point. True sizing involves more than just square footage.
Getting the size wrong can cause serious problems:
That’s why we recommend a professional Manual J Load Calculation—an in-depth sizing analysis based on your home’s layout, windows, insulation, ceiling height, ductwork, and more.
We include this on every new system quote. Because we don’t guess. We calculate.
More square footage = more cooling capacity. But open floor plans, high ceilings, or multiple stories also increase cooling needs.
We live in one of the hottest, most humid regions in the country. Homes that face the sun for long hours (especially west- or south-facing) may need more tonnage—even if the square footage seems low.
A well-insulated home holds in cool air better. But if your home is older, has air leaks, or poor attic insulation, you’ll need more cooling power to keep up.
Once you've got the right size figured out, efficiency is the next key factor. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and higher numbers mean lower energy bills.
As of recent updates, Florida requires 15 SEER or higher for new AC systems. Many modern systems offer:
These features help reduce your energy use, maintain consistent temperatures, and lower humidity levels, making your home cooler, more comfortable, and less expensive to operate.
Even the best-sized, most efficient system won’t perform well if it’s installed poorly or neglected. Here’s how to keep it running like new:
Let’s make it simple. At Quality Comfort Air Conditioning and Heating Inc., we’ve been helping homeowners across Brevard County get properly sized, energy-efficient systems for decades. No high-pressure sales. No upselling. Just honest advice, expert installation, and systems that are built to last.
✅ Manual J load calculation
✅ Personalized sizing recommendations
✅ High-efficiency system options
✅ Expert installation backed by 5-star local service
Call Quality Comfort Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. today at 321-242-2513 or contact us online to schedule your in-home estimate. We’ll help you choose the perfect system size to keep your family comfortable, without wasting energy or money.
Usually a 4-ton system, assuming average insulation and layout. But sun exposure and ceiling height can impact this.
No. Oversized units cool too fast and don’t remove enough humidity, leaving your home cold and clammy.
It’s a starting point, but not enough. You need to factor in layout, sun, insulation, and ductwork.
Have a Manual J Load Calculation done by our team. It’s the gold standard for AC sizing.