The Importance of Proper Sizing in AC Installation
Choosing and installing a new air conditioner involves many decisions, including the proper size. System size directly affects your comfort and cooling efficiency. 1st Choice Service Group Heating & Air in Asheville, NC can help you select an appropriately sized new air conditioner to ensure it works effectively. We can perform a detailed analysis to ensure you make the correct decision for your needs.
Why AC Size Matters
Air conditioner size matters, and choosing the proper size involves considering several factors.
Energy Efficiency
Air conditioners too large for your home will cool too quickly, leading to frequent on-and-off cycling. Short cycling wastes energy and raises your electric bills. On the other hand, air conditioners that are too small will continuously run, attempting to cool the space. You will experience higher energy costs because the air conditioner cannot meet demand.
A properly sized air conditioner will cool optimally and cycle normally. Proper size ensures your home stays cool without unnecessarily high electric bills.
Comfort and Air Quality
Air conditioners do more than cool the air. They play an integral role in managing the humidity inside your home. However, oversized air conditioners cool your home quickly, and they do not run long enough to remove excess moisture. As a result, the air in your home will become too damp, leading to discomfort, mold, and mildew growth.
A smaller system will take longer to cool your home and may not distribute air evenly. Small units also leave your home with inconsistent temperatures and uncomfortable hot spots.
Properly sized air conditioners effectively remove excess moisture and ensure balanced cooling. They will improve indoor air quality and comfort.
Lifespan and Maintenance
Improperly sized air conditioners undergo constant stress, which can shorten their lifespan and increase wear and tear. Oversized units cycle on and off frequently, damaging the compressor, fan, and other components. As a result, you are likely to notice increased breakdowns and expensive repairs.
When an air conditioner is too small, the same issues arise with wear and tear, resulting in damage. With both size issues, your air conditioner will need more maintenance and will likely fail earlier than expected.
Getting professional help with AC sizing ensures steady, controlled operation. Your system will last longer and likely need fewer repairs.
Professional Load Calculation
Our HVAC technicians at 1st Choice Service Group Heating & Air can help you determine the proper system size by inspecting your home. We decide on size by carrying out a load calculation. Our technicians use this calculation to determine your home’s cooling needs. We factor in the following while performing a calculation.
Home Square Footage
Our technicians will assess your home’s square footage. Most industry experts recommend 20 BTUs per square foot, but a detailed assessment also considers other factors.
Ceiling Height
Ceiling height plays a role in the calculation because higher ceilings lead to more air volume. Higher than standard ceilings may require a more extensive system capacity.
Insulation Quality
The quality of the insulation behind your ceilings, walls, and floors can impact the cooling ability of your air conditioner. Well-insulated homes typically require less cooling power because they do not have as many air leaks.
Number and Kind of Windows
Windows, especially single-pane ones, increase your home’s heat gain. We consider your window number, size, and placement before deciding on your cooling needs.
Number of Occupants
Each person in your home generates body heat. Homes with more occupants will need slightly larger air conditioners. Industry standards recommend 600 BTUs for each person.
Selecting the Right Air Conditioner Size
Once we complete the calculation, our team will help you choose the right tonnage for your air conditioner. One ton equals 12,000 BTUs. Depending on the factors considered in the load calculation, most homes will need two to five tons.
In addition to selecting the proper size, you must consider the SEER rating. A higher SEER rating means a higher efficiency level, which will reduce your cooling costs in the long run. High-efficiency models have SEER ratings of 17 or over. By selecting the correct size and best SEER rating you can afford, your cooling costs will decrease.
1st Choice Service Group Heating & Air is an electrical and HVAC contractor that has served our customers in Asheville since 2007. We offer residential and commercial HVAC services, including installation, maintenance, and repairs for all air conditioner makes and models. We carry high-end Lennox products and proudly employ NATE-certified HVAC technicians. Use our energy savings calculator to find out your home’s perfect fit!
Contact our expert HVAC technicians at 1st Choice Service Group Heating & Air when you need air conditioner installation in Asheville.