Getting AC size right matters more in Dubai than almost anywhere: undersize it and it runs flat-out all summer, never quite cools, and burns electricity; oversize it and it short-cycles, leaving the room cold but humid. Because Dubai runs hotter and longer than temperate climates, the same room needs far more cooling capacity here — roughly one ton per 250 sq ft, versus one per 600 in cooler countries. Use the calculator below for a solid starting estimate, then book a free site check for exact sizing.
AC Tonnage Calculator
How to size an AC for a Dubai room
Air-conditioner capacity is measured in tons (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr of cooling). Sizing means matching that capacity to the room’s heat load. The starting point is floor area, then you adjust for everything that adds heat:
- Dubai’s climate — we start at roughly 50 BTU per square foot, well above the ~20 used in temperate climates, because outdoor temperatures sit above 40°C for months and most buildings are single-glazed.
- Ceiling height — you cool a volume, not a floor. High ceilings (villas, showrooms) need proportionally more.
- Sun exposure — west-facing rooms and glass frontages take a big afternoon heat gain; shaded rooms need less.
- People and equipment — each person adds heat; kitchens, offices with equipment, and shops with lighting add a lot more.
- Roof above — top-floor apartments and villas take heat straight through the roof.
Indicative AC sizes & install cost in Dubai
Once you know the tonnage, here’s a realistic supply-and-install guide for a wall-split unit in 2026. Ducted and central systems are quoted after a survey.
| AC size | Suits (approx.) | Indicative supply & install |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 ton | Small bedroom, up to ~250 sq ft | AED 1,200–2,500 |
| 1.5 ton | Bedroom / small living, ~250–375 sq ft | AED 1,600–3,200 |
| 2.0 ton | Living / dining, ~375–500 sq ft | AED 2,200–4,200 |
| 2.5 ton | Large living / small shop, ~500–625 sq ft | AED 2,800–4,800 |
| 3.0 ton | Open-plan / retail, ~625–750 sq ft | AED 3,200–5,800 |
Prices are indicative and depend heavily on brand and site — a premium inverter unit costs more up front but cuts your DEWA bill. For servicing rather than installation, see our pricing guide and AC repair costs in Dubai. When you’re ready, our AC installation team will confirm the size and give you a firm quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size AC do I need for a room in Dubai?
As a rule of thumb in Dubai, allow about one ton of cooling for every 250 square feet — so a typical 250 sq ft bedroom needs about a 1-ton unit, and a 400 sq ft living room around 1.5 to 2 tons. Add capacity for high ceilings, strong sun, top-floor rooms, kitchens and extra people. The calculator above applies all of these for you.
Why does Dubai need a bigger AC than cooler countries?
Because the outdoor temperature sits above 40°C for much of the year and most buildings are single-glazed, each square foot gains far more heat, so we size at roughly 50 BTU per square foot rather than the ~20 used in temperate climates. An AC sized for Europe would run non-stop here and still struggle.
Is it better to oversize the AC to be safe?
No. An oversized unit cools the air quickly then switches off before it removes humidity, so the room feels cold and clammy while the compressor short-cycles and wears out early. Correct sizing cools evenly, dehumidifies properly and lasts longer.
How much does it cost to install a split AC in Dubai?
Indicatively, a wall-split unit supplied and installed runs from around AED 1,200 for a 1-ton up to about AED 5,800 for a 3-ton, depending on brand and site. Ducted and central systems are quoted after a survey. See the size-by-size table above.
Can you confirm the exact size for my room?
Yes — the calculator gives a solid estimate, but glazing, insulation, room shape and layout all matter. We confirm the exact load on a free site visit and give you a firm quote. Call or WhatsApp +971 55 355 8644.