What size air conditioner do you need for a 1600 sq ft home?

Hi: There are many issues involved in sizing a air conditioner for your home other than square footage. The location of your home is a important factor as well as the materials used plus the R values of the Windows and insulation. Its exposure to the sun and winds and its volume are all important. Plus wether or not its foundation sits on a slap or above ground and how that is made. Units of new are typically sold in over the counter packaged deals where one tonnage gives you this and that plus this blower size. This has not always been the case as that some 1600 square foot houses can have a lot more volume than others. Some may have very tall ceiling and such as that. Codes typically require so many air changes per hour in a home plus some fresh air input. There are small calculators pre-programed to make all this seemingly easy for the contractor offering to sell you a piece of what they sell as well as the sizing of duct work. There are also many referance books and guides that can help you to figure up your own. Remember, air speed is all important in a home A.C. system as that you have to live with that sound. So stick to the air duct guides for recommended speed velocities for the type of occupancy you are working with. Another good thing to know is,, (personally) I would rather have a cheaper type throw away filter with a good slow return air flow speed than a super expensive one at a high return air speed. High speed return air at small filter openings is a restriction to your sytem air flow. ( which is a NO NO ) I'll add a blower to my systems to get the air movement I need if necessary when mfg. does not offer what I need. Not the cooling or anything else,,, just the blower to boost my CFM movement. And I do not recommend attaching it to other system other than fan wired to come on and off simultanious with other and its own filter system. Hope this helps: Jimiwane