Air conditioning units range in size from 1.5 tons to 5 tons. Some of the biggest factors that influence AC sizing include your home’s square footage, layout, insulation, ceiling height, and local climate. Read on to learn more about the factors that determine the appropriate size of a home air conditioner.
Far too often, homeowners fall victim to the myth that the size of the home is the only factor necessary to determine air conditioner size. Square footage is a great way to get a ballpark estimate of what you’ll need for your home. However, it’s one of several different components you need to consider when deciding the exact air conditioner size to get for your home.
The larger your home is, the bigger your new air conditioning system will need to be. Homes with an open layout can get away with a smaller air conditioner compared to those with a closed-off layout. The taller your ceilings are, the more air your air conditioner will need to treat. This means you need a larger unit to keep your home adequately cool and comfortable throughout summer. Additionally, if your home has little or no insulation, you’ll need a larger unit to accommodate heat gain.
All different types of air conditioners, including ductless mini-splits, central air conditioners, and heat pumps, have a specified cooling capacity. Commonly known as size, a unit’s cooling capacity indicates how much cold air it can produce per hour. It’s given in two forms: tonnage and BTUs (British thermal units). One ton equals 12,000 BTUs.
In general, BTUs are used to provide an exact amount of heat removed per hour from a space. It provides a more precise measurement for engineers. Most HVAC contractors and homeowners use the term “tonnage.” This is easier for most people to understand because it ranges only from 1 to 5. It’s simpler to refer to an air conditioning system as a 5-ton system compared to remembering it’s 60,000 BTUs.
Another big misconception out there about air conditioning systems is that the bigger, the better. If you end up with an air conditioning system that’s too big for your home, it will run very short cycles. Only a small amount of air will pass through your indoor air handler unit, which greatly reduces your system’s ability to extract moisture from the air. Simply put, an oversized unit can allow your indoor humidity level to be too high and uncomfortable. Even worse, it will cost you a lot more money.
It’s also important to ensure your new air conditioner isn’t undersized for your space. An undersized air conditioning system in New Jersey will cause your system to run constantly without adequately cooling your space. This will not only leave you uncomfortable but also significantly increase your energy bill. The correct AC size for your home really requires professional HVAC load calculation mathematics to ensure an appropriate fit.
When you find yourself asking what size air conditioner do I need, you may find yourself first starting with the AC sizing guide. However, HVAC load calculation is the key to guaranteeing the correct AC size for your home. When you have a professional do a thorough evaluation of your home, you can rest assured that you’re not overspending on a new air conditioning system.
This professional air conditioner sizing in NJ is ideal for ensuring that your new unit operates efficiently and lasts a long time. Professional installation is necessary to maintain warranty coverage for your new unit. It also goes a long way in giving you peace of mind about the reliability and safety of your new system.
Koch & White Heating and Cooling offers professional air conditioner installation services in Ann Arbor, MI and the surrounding areas.
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment for professional and accurate load calculations to get your new AC unit recommendations.
