1. What is an Air Conditioning kW per m² Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the required air conditioning power in kilowatts based on room area and the system's coefficient of performance (COP).

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and homeowners determine the appropriate AC capacity needed for a given space.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Required power (kilowatts)
• \( A_{room} \) — Room area (square meters)
• \( COP \) — Coefficient of Performance (efficiency factor)

Explanation: The formula converts the cooling load (44.6 BTU/hr per m²) to kW while accounting for system efficiency through the COP.

3. Importance of Proper AC Sizing

Details: Correct AC sizing ensures energy efficiency, proper cooling, and prevents short-cycling or insufficient cooling capacity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the room area in square meters and the COP (default 3.0 for typical systems). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical COP value?
A: Modern AC systems typically have COP values between 2.5 and 4.0, with higher values indicating better efficiency.

Q2: Why 44.6 BTU/hr per m²?
A: This is a standard cooling load estimate for moderately sized rooms with average insulation and occupancy.

Q3: When would I need to adjust the cooling load value?
A: For rooms with high heat gain (south-facing windows, high occupancy, or equipment heat), you may need to increase this value.

Q4: How does insulation affect the calculation?
A: Better insulation reduces cooling needs, while poor insulation increases them. Adjust the cooling load value accordingly.

Q5: Should I round up the calculated power?
A: Yes, it's common practice to round up to the nearest standard AC unit size for practical installation.