The answer in two lines
A room of 12–16 m² usually needs a 1.5 HP AC, 16–22 m² a 2.25 HP and 22–30 m² a 3 HP. If the room is on the top floor or gets direct sun, go one size up. If the AC will run many hours a day, an inverter saves on your electricity bill over time.
"How many horsepower do I need?" is the first question anyone asks before buying an AC. Getting it wrong is costly: an undersized AC runs nonstop without cooling, and an oversized one costs more for nothing. In this guide from Tawredaat (توريدات), an electrical, finishing and air-conditioning store in Cairo and Giza, we work it out step by step.
What does "horsepower" mean for an AC?
In the Egyptian market, HP is a simplified trade name for AC capacity; actual cooling capacity is measured in BTU/h. The common equivalents in Egypt:
- 1.5 HP ≈ 12,000 BTU/h
- 2.25 HP ≈ 18,000 BTU/h
- 3 HP ≈ 24,000 BTU/h
- 4 HP ≈ 30,000 BTU/h
Which AC size for which room size? (table)
This is the approximate split used in Egypt for rooms with a normal ceiling height (about 3 m):
| Room area | Right capacity | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 12 – 16 m² | 1.5 HP | Bedroom or kids' room |
| 16 – 22 m² | 2.25 HP | Master bedroom or small living room |
| 22 – 30 m² | 3 HP | Medium living room |
| About 30 – 38 m² | 4 HP | Large living room or office |
How to calculate it yourself
Multiply the room area in m² by a rough factor based on the room:
- Normal room: area × 650. Example: 20 m² × 650 = 13,000 BTU/h, so 1.5 HP may be enough.
- Room with direct west sun: area × 750. Example: 20 m² × 750 = 15,000 BTU/h, so 2.25 HP is better.
When should you size up?
In these cases go one size up (for example from 1.5 to 2.25 HP):
- ⚠ Top floor or roof, which heats up more.
- ⚠ Direct sun (especially west) or large glass windows.
- ⚠ Open kitchen onto the living room: kitchens give off a lot of heat.
- ⚠ Many people in the same space (living room, office, shop).
- ⚠ High ceiling over 3 m.
Inverter or regular AC?
| Comparison | Inverter | Regular |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Slows down once the room is cool | Switches on and off in cycles |
| Electricity use | Lower with long daily use | Higher |
| Temperature and noise | Quieter and steadier | Slight fluctuation |
| Purchase price | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Running the AC many hours a day | Light use or rarely used rooms |
✔ Our advice: if the AC runs more than 6–8 hours a day in summer, an inverter usually pays back its price difference through your electricity bill over time.
Split or concealed (ducted)?
A wall-mounted split is the most popular choice for apartments: easy to install and maintain at a fair price. A concealed (ducted) unit hides in the false ceiling and distributes air to several rooms through ducts, which suits villas and large apartments finished from scratch.
ACs available on Tawredaat by room size
- 1.5 HP (12 – 16 m²): Carrier Optimax Pro 1.5 HP cooling · Midea Mission Pro 1.5 HP cooling
- 2.25 HP (16 – 22 m²): Carrier Optimax Pro 2.25 HP cooling and heating · Midea Xtreme Pro 2.25 HP cooling
- 3 HP (22 – 30 m²): Midea Mission Pro 3 HP cooling · Carrier Optimax Pro 3 HP cooling and heating
- Inverter: Carrier XCool inverter 1.5 HP cooling
See every model in our split AC collection and inverter AC collection.
Tips before you buy
- ✔ Make sure the AC has its own circuit and breaker with the right wire size (read our wire size guide).
- ✔ Place the outdoor unit away from direct sun if possible.
- ✔ Cooling only or cooling and heating? If you want to use it for heating in winter, choose cooling and heating.
- ✔ Ask about warranty and installation before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How many m² does a 1.5 HP AC cover?
About 12 to 16 m² in normal conditions. For top floors or sunny rooms, go up to 2.25 HP.
How many m² for a 2.25 HP AC?
About 16 to 22 m².
How many m² for a 3 HP AC?
About 22 to 30 m², suitable for a medium living room.
How many m² for a 4 HP AC?
About 30 to 38 m².
Is a bigger AC better?
No. An oversized AC cools quickly and switches off, so it removes humidity poorly, and you pay more for no reason.
Does an inverter really save electricity?
Yes with long use, because it lowers its speed instead of switching on and off. Actual savings depend on running hours and room insulation.
Can I buy an AC in installments?
Yes, Tawredaat offers monthly installments through banks.
Know how many HP you need?
Shop Carrier and Midea ACs on Tawredaat, with monthly installments and delivery in Cairo and Giza.
About Tawredaat: Tawredaat (توريدات) is an Egyptian supplier of electrical and finishing materials and air conditioners, serving homeowners, companies and contractors in Cairo and Giza. Questions? See our FAQ.
