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ACR Tick

Sizing Considerations

These are the key things to consider when selecting rental air conditioning equipment for temporary cooling.

Know What You Need

Before selecting equipment, assess your cooling requirements. Consider the size of the space, ambient temperature, and any heat load factors — north-facing glazing, high ceilings, or heat-generating equipment like servers or machinery all increase demand. Understanding your requirements upfront will help ensure you get the right equipment for your situation.

Output Rating

The cooling capacity of a portable air conditioner is measured in kilowatts (kW). As a general rule of thumb, you'll need approximately 1kW per 10 square metres of space. A unit with too low a rating will struggle to cool the area effectively.

QUICK SIZING GUIDE:

Up to 25m² — 2.5 to 3.5kW

25 to 50m² — 3.5 to 6kW

50 to 100m² — 6 to 10kW

100m² and above — contact us for a recommendation

Factors That Can Increase Requirements

The 1kW per 10m² rule is a starting point. You may need more capacity if your space has any of the following:

  • High ceilings (above 2.7m)

  • Large windows or extensive north-facing glazing

  • Heat-generating equipment such as servers, machinery, or lighting

  • High occupancy

  • Poor insulation

Not Sure?

Give us a call on 09 579 8103. We'd rather help you get it right the first time than have you hire undersized equipment.

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