The Importance of Accurate AC Sizing
Is your current central air system costing more to operate than it once did – while, at the same time, not delivering the level of indoor comfort you once relied on? Are you now experiencing a combination of cool and hot spots when before all rooms cooled off to roughly the same temperature? Or perhaps you’re noticing more frequent and costly repairs to keep your system humming along.
If so, it might be time to consider investing in installing a replacement AC system. Today’s models are more energy efficient – up to 95% and higher. And yet unless the system is of sound quality and properly sized, you won’t enjoy all the benefits it can offer.
Importance of Central Air Conditioning Size
An undersized unit will run constantly as it attempts to cool your home. That means more wear and tear, and higher energy bills. The constant wear and tear will eventually lead to more frequent repairs and shorter than-expected equipment life.
On the other hand, bigger isn’t always better. An oversized unit will reach a desired temp and shut off before it has a chance to effectively remove any lingering humidity. You’ll find that your home never feels quite as cool as you’d like, and the constant cycling on and off leads to increased energy bills and unnecessary wear and tear.
To ensure that a new or replacement central air system delivers the cooling comfort and energy efficiency you can depend on, an experienced cooling specialist will analyze several key factors to determine the correct system size for your home.
House Size
A home’s size is the starting point in determining a household’s cooling needs. Determining factors include home style, square footage, ceiling height, number of rooms, and layout. For example, the cooling needs of a 1,500 square foot ranch style home can be significantly different than an open-space-concept home of the same size.
Location
A home in Texas will have different cooling needs than a home in Vermont, even if they’re identical. But similar homes in the same town may have different needs as well. Is your home surrounded by trees or does it lack protection from the sun’s rays?
Windows
Windows make a home feel light and bright, but depending on the type, number, size, and location, they can also be a source of energy loss. Single-pane windows are less energy-efficient and thus require more tonnage from a central air system. As energy-efficient as double and triple-pane windows are, a home filled with large picture or Palladian windows will have different cooling needs than one with smaller sized windows.
Insulation
Insulation plays a key role in keeping a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Building codes have minimum insulation requirements but older homes constructed before those codes went into effect often lack proper insulation. No matter the age of your home, make sure your attic has adequate insulation and seal or caulk drafty windows and doors to prevent summer heat from penetrating your home and cool air from escaping.
Ductwork
A home’s ductwork also plays a significant role in determining proper AC system sizing. Leaky, improperly situated, or poorly installed ductwork will require more from your AC and result in higher energy usage and costs. For new system installs, proper duct installation and placement are essential to the system’s efficiency and overall home comfort.
It all comes down to this: to get the most for your investment in enhanced indoor comfort, you need the whole package: a highly skilled contractor like Relief Heating and Cooling, LLC who is experienced in proper sizing, precision installation, and ongoing system maintenance. And, of course, you need a high-quality AC system as the centerpiece. Contact us today and ask for a free in-home cooling analysis and a free new system proposal.
