Air Conditioners in Canada
New air conditioners are arriving soon at Gadget Canada. While we prepare the range, use this guide to size air conditioners in Canada for your rooms and compare portable, window and ductless mini-split units. Want to know when models land, or have a question about your space? Email support@gadgetcanada.ca and our team will help.
New models are on the way. Email support@gadgetcanada.ca and we'll let you know when they arrive, or browse the categories below.
Sizing air conditioners in Canada: BTU by room size
Cooling capacity is measured in British thermal units (BTU) per hour. Too small, and a unit runs nonstop without catching up. Too large, and it cools quickly, then shuts off before removing much moisture. These widely used rules of thumb are a starting point:
| Room area | Suggested capacity |
|---|---|
| 100–150 sq ft (9–14 m²) | 5,000 BTU |
| 150–250 sq ft (14–23 m²) | 6,000 BTU |
| 250–350 sq ft (23–33 m²) | 7,000–8,000 BTU |
| 350–450 sq ft (33–42 m²) | 9,000–10,000 BTU |
| 450–550 sq ft (42–51 m²) | 12,000 BTU |
| 550–700 sq ft (51–65 m²) | 14,000 BTU |
| 700–1,000 sq ft (65–93 m²) | 18,000 BTU |
Then adjust: add about 10% for a very sunny room, subtract about 10% for a heavily shaded one, add roughly 600 BTU for each regular occupant beyond two, and add about 4,000 BTU for a kitchen.
Portable vs window vs ductless mini-split
Portable
Rolls between rooms and vents hot air through a hose and window kit, so it suits renters and spaces where a window unit won't fit. It's usually the least efficient and loudest option. Many portables list two capacity figures; size with the lower SACC (seasonally adjusted cooling capacity) number, which better reflects real-world cooling.
Window
Sits in a window opening with its hot components outside, so it's usually more efficient and quieter than a portable of similar capacity. Check your window type and condo or lease rules, install it securely, and remove or cover it before winter.
Ductless mini-split
An indoor unit connects to an outdoor unit through a small hole in the wall. Mini-splits are the quietest and most efficient choice, and many are heat pumps that also heat in winter. They need installation by a licensed technician and cost more up front, so check provincial and utility programs for heat pump incentives.
Handling Canadian summer humidity
From Windsor to Montreal, humid heat waves can push humidex readings past 40. Air conditioners remove moisture as they cool, and drier air feels more comfortable at the same temperature. That's why right-sizing matters: an oversized unit short-cycles, leaving the room cool but clammy. To stay comfortable and discourage mould, many experts suggest keeping indoor relative humidity below about 50% in summer. Look for a dry or dehumidify mode, drain condensate as the manual directs, and clean filters regularly.
Before you buy
Measure the window or wall opening, confirm the electrical requirements (larger units may need a dedicated circuit), and check building rules. Meanwhile, explore our Gadgets & Appliances department, including smart home devices, home appliances and refrigerators.
Air Conditioners: frequently asked questions
What size air conditioner do I need for a 300 sq ft room?
As a rule of thumb, about 7,000 to 8,000 BTU. Add around 10% if the room is very sunny, subtract about 10% if it's heavily shaded, and add roughly 600 BTU for each regular occupant beyond two.
Is a portable or window air conditioner better?
Window units are usually more efficient and quieter at the same capacity because their hot components sit outside. Portable units are easier to move and suit spaces where a window unit won't fit.
Do air conditioners reduce humidity?
Yes. Air conditioners remove moisture as they cool, which is why a correctly sized unit feels more comfortable on humid Canadian summer days. Many models also offer a dedicated dry mode.
When will Gadget Canada sell air conditioners?
New models are arriving soon. Email support@gadgetcanada.ca with your room size and questions, and our team will reply within 1 business day.