Selecting a properly sized air conditioner is key to successfully cooling your home efficiently and effectively. Many homeowners incorrectly assume that a larger air conditioner will offer superior cooling, but that is not always true. On the other hand, oversized units result in a higher energy bill, uncomfortable temperature swings and accelerated system wear. Conversely, an undersized unit might under-index when it comes to adequately cooling your space. In this blog post, we will walk you through how to size your air conditioner for the best cooling performance.
Assess your cooling needs
Before getting started, it’s important to consider your cooling needs. Important factorsWhen choosing a technology, consider the size and layout of your home, the number of rooms you wish to cool, and the local climate. This preliminary evaluation will assist you in determining the needed cooling capacity required for your air conditioner.
Calculate the cooling load
Cooling load These are the needs that you need to have to know in order to come up with a cooling system that can meet your cooling needs. The cooling load considers different factors like the size and insulation of your home, number and size of windows, the number of people, and heat produced by appliances and lighting. Although a qualified HVAC contractor can do a detailed load calculation at this point, you can make rough estimates with online calculators from some reputable sources.
Think about the British Thermal Units (BTU’s) of the unit
After computing the cooling load, select an air conditioner that fits that load in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A unit that’s too small won’t effectively cool the space, while one that’s too large will cycle frequently, causing inefficiency and discomfort.
Account for other factors
Other factors that may affect air conditioner sizing, besides cooling load For example, if you get a lot of direct sun in your home, or you have high ceilings, you may need to adjust the BTU as needed. Also consider local climate and humidity levels. An air conditioner that’s the right size for your home will cool it effectively without over-dehumidifying it.
Seek professional guidance
Online calculators and rough estimates can serve as a useful starting point, but it’s often best to consult with a qualified HVAC contractor at Aire One Peel for more accurate guidance. An HVAC professional knows to do a thorough load calculation that takes all of the important factors for your specific home into account. Their tips can help you determine which size air conditioner you should buy based on your cooling needs.
If your air conditioner is too small, it will have to work harder to cool your home, while a too big air conditioner will effectively shorten cooling cycle and endgame shortening unit life. Aire One Peel will help you come up with the right size for your needs. Your perfect air conditioner puts you in control of your home without cooling the entire landscape — and saves you money.
