In Ghana, split air conditioners are usually sold by horsepower (HP). The more useful number is cooling capacity in BTU per hour, which most spec sheets also list.
Rough sizing
These ranges are common rules of thumb, not engineering calculations:
| Size | Typical capacity | Typical room |
|---|---|---|
| 1 HP | about 9,000 BTU/h | small bedroom, up to about 12–15 m² |
| 1.5 HP | about 12,000 BTU/h | large bedroom or small living room, about 15–25 m² |
| 2 HP | about 18,000 BTU/h | living room, about 25–35 m² |
| 2.5 HP and above | 24,000 BTU/h + | open-plan spaces, shops |
Go one size up if
- the room gets strong afternoon sun or has a tin roof with little insulation
- the ceiling is higher than about 3 metres
- several people or appliances (fridge, TV, computers) are usually in the room
An oversized unit is not better: it cools quickly, switches off, and leaves the room humid.
Running costs
Inverter models cost more to buy but adjust their output instead of switching on and off, which usually reduces electricity use. If the AC will run for many hours a day, compare the price difference with the expected savings.
Compare the full price
Installation, copper piping and wall brackets are often extra. When you compare AC prices, check whether installation is included.