Sizing your Aircon

Choosing the Right Air Conditioner Size for Your Space

Selecting the correct air conditioner size is key to ensuring comfort, efficiency, and long-term performance. At Swift Air, we’ve created an easy-to-follow sizing guide based on the standard 600 BTU per square meter rule — ideal for Johannesburg’s climate.

However, it’s important to note that this is just a guideline. Several factors can affect the size you need, including:

  • Ceiling height
  • Room insulation
  • Number of occupants
  • Sun exposure (especially in north- or west-facing rooms)
  • Heat-generating appliances or equipment

If you're unsure, our team is happy to assess your space and recommend the most suitable unit. Getting the size right from the start means better comfort, lower energy bills, and a longer-lasting system.

To calculate the square meterage of a room, simply multiply the length by the width (in meters). The table below serves as a general guideline for selecting an appropriate air conditioning unit, based on an estimated requirement of 600 BTU per square meter.

Room Size Range (m²) Closest Standard Aircon Size
10 – 15 m² 9,000 BTU
16 – 20 m² 12,000 BTU
21 – 30 m² 18,000 BTU
31 – 40 m² 24,000 BTU
41 – 50 m² 30,000 BTU
51 – 60 m² 36,000 BTU
61 – 80 m² 48,000 BTU
81 – 100 m² Cassette / Ducted Unit
100+ m² Site Visit Required