If you’re thinking about installing a new air conditioner, you don’t want to overlook system sizing.
Your system’s size will impact how well your AC cools your home, how much energy it uses, and even how long it lasts.
A lot of AC companies skip sizing calculations to save time, but that does you a serious disservice. At CARJON, we take the time to determine exactly what size central AC system you need for your home.
Keep reading to learn more about AC sizing and why it’s so important.
Why Air Conditioner Size Matters
Your AC unit’s size matters because it affects:
Energy Costs -The wrong-size air conditioner will use more energy to cool your home, driving up your AC bills.
Comfort - An undersized AC won’t be powerful enough to cool your house. An oversized AC will cycle off too quickly to dehumidify your home.
Lifespan - An undersized air conditioner will run constantly, which can lead to breakdowns and a reduced lifespan.
The Problem with an Oversized Air Conditioner
Choose an AC that’s too large for your home, and it’s going to run like a unit from back in the 1980s.
The AC will turn on quickly, cool your house even more quickly, and then shut itself off. Sure, the home will be cool, but the key thing to understand here is that the unit will not end up going through its entire cycle.
The result? Your house won’t dehumidify properly, and heat will begin to infiltrate rapidly, causing the unit to click on once again. Plus, your AC turning on and off constantly will drive your energy bills through the roof.
The Problem with an Undersized Air Conditioner
While an AC that’s too large is clearly not a good solution, choosing one that’s too small can be just as problematic.
Why?
It will run constantly trying to cool down your home, and it may never accomplish its goal.
That leaves you with a hot, humid house, high energy bills, and an overworked system that could give out at any minute.
How to Choose the Right Size AC For Your Home
So, what size AC unit do you need for your house?
There’s no easy answer.
AC sizing depends on a number of factors unique to your home. Here’s what goes into the equation:
Square Footage - The size of your home is a key starting point. Larger homes need more cooling capacity, and smaller homes need less. But square footage is just one piece of the puzzle.
Ductwork - Your air duct system must be properly sized and sealed to match the AC unit. Leaky or undersized ducts can drastically reduce performance, and this must be considered when sizing an AC.
Insulation - Well-insulated homes retain conditioned air better, reducing the workload on your system. Poor insulation means your AC has to work harder, potentially requiring a larger unit (or an insulation upgrade).
Climate - Homes in hotter, more humid climates need more cooling capacity than we do in Rhode Island.
A lot of air conditioner installers will ask for your home’s square footage and guess from there. But this method ignores key factors and can leave you with a new AC that doesn’t keep you comfortable and costs too much to run.
To get an accurate AC sizing calculation, reach out to CARJON. We take all factors into account and size your system for optimal performance, energy efficiency, and longevity.
What Else to Consider When Installing a New AC?
Size is important, but it’s not the only factor to consider when choosing a cooling system. You should also think about:
Energy Efficiency
Look for systems with a high SEER2 rating and ENERGY STAR® certification. These units are designed to cool your home using less electricity, helping you save money and reduce your environmental impact.
System Type – Should You Install a Heat Pump Instead?
If you’re replacing an aging air conditioner, this is a great opportunity to consider switching to a heat pump. Heat pumps give you more bang for your buck because they act as an air conditioner and a heating system in one.
Plus, there are ductless options available. Ductless heat pumps (aka mini splits) don’t connect to air ducts. A ductless system can be a great option for any home, but is especially ideal for houses that don’t have ductwork and for rooms that your ducts don’t reach.
Get the Right-Sized Central AC or Heat Pump with CARJON
At CARJON, we never guess. We take the time to perform a detailed load calculation and evaluate your home’s specific needs so you get the best performance, energy efficiency, and system longevity possible.
Whether you’re installing a new air conditioner or thinking about switching to a heat pump, we’ll help you choose the right fit for your home.
