by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Experts Say
The cooling capacity of room air conditioners is generally measured in BTUs (British thermal units). Determining the BTUs required to cool an area is primarily based on square footage. The U.S. Department of Energy provides a chart that recommends 21,000 BTUs for 1,000 to 1,200 square feet and 34,000 BTUs for 2,000 to 2,500 square feet (see Resources section).
On the Other: Adjust for Certain Conditions
Certain conditions require additional air conditioning capacity. For example, a kitchen may require an additional 4,000 BTUs. If more than two people are going to be using the room simultaneously, add 600 BTUs for each additional person.
Bottom Line
While there is an established baseline, the number of BTUs needed to cool a given home or room depends on personal preferences and family lifestyle. The Department of Energy's recommendations are based on desired temperatures of 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Source:
Good Housekeeping: Air Conditioner Calculator
Resource:
U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Star
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