Building a new home in Qatar? Your AC system will be one of the most important—and expensive—decisions you make. Here's everything you need to know.
Planning During Design Phase
The best time to plan your AC is during architectural design. This allows for:
- Proper ductwork routing (for central systems)
- Optimal indoor unit placement
- Adequate electrical capacity
- Strategic outdoor unit locations
Calculating Your Cooling Load
A professional load calculation considers:
- Total floor area and ceiling height
- Window sizes and orientations
- Insulation quality
- Expected occupancy
- Heat-generating appliances
System Sizing for Qatar
For Qatar's climate, we recommend 25-30 BTU per square foot. A typical 200 sqm villa needs approximately 5-6 tons of cooling capacity.
Installation Best Practices
- Outdoor units: North or east-facing placement, shaded if possible
- Indoor units: Away from sunlight and heat sources
- Ductwork: Insulated R-8 minimum for Qatar's heat
- Drainage: Proper condensate routing to avoid water damage
Budget Considerations
For a typical Qatar villa (250-300 sqm), expect to invest:
- Central AC: QR 25,000-45,000 including installation
- Split systems (6-8 units): QR 15,000-25,000
