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When it’s time to get a new central air conditioning system for your home, there a several decision that need to be made about it. One of the most important is the new unit’s size. Size in this case doesn’t refer to the physical space the AC takes up but to the amount of cooling power it has. A successful AC installation requires having an air conditioner that is sized correctly so it is neither underpowered (undersized) or overpowered (oversized).
We need to stress the importance of this sizing process. If your AC is the wrong size for your home and needs, you’ll have numerous problems on your hands from the moment the air conditioner first starts working.
We’ll go into details about why sizing is important and why it’s also best to work with licensed HVAC professionals for an AC installation.
The Problems With an Undersized AC
An undersized AC unit will struggle to cool your home adequately. Here are some issues you might face:
- Increased Wear and Tear: An AC that’s too small for your home will run constantly as it tries to reach the desired temperature. This leads to excessive wear and tear on the unit, shortening its lifespan.
- Higher Energy Bills: Since the unit runs more frequently, it consumes more electricity, driving up your energy bills.
- Inconsistent Cooling: Rooms may be unevenly cooled, with some areas never reaching the desired temperature, leading to discomfort.
- Humidity Issues: An undersized AC can’t effectively dehumidify your home, which can lead to a clammy, uncomfortable environment.
The Problems With an Oversized AC
While it might seem like a bigger AC would cool your home more efficiently, it actually brings its own set of problems:
- Short Cycling: An oversized AC cools the air too quickly, causing it to turn on and off frequently. This short cycling not only wastes energy but also increases wear and tear on the system.
- Poor Humidity Control: Because the AC cycles off before running long enough to dehumidify the air properly, you might experience high indoor humidity levels.
- Higher Initial Cost: Larger units are more expensive upfront, and you’ll end up paying more than necessary for the added cooling capacity that you don’t need.
- Inconsistent Comfort: Similar to an undersized unit, an oversized AC can create hot and cold spots in your home, leading to uneven cooling.
Why Professional Sizing Matters
Properly sizing an air conditioner requires detailed calculations that take into account various factors, including:
- Home Size: The square footage of your home is a primary factor in determining the necessary cooling capacity.
- Insulation: The quality and amount of insulation in your home affect how well it retains cool air.
- Windows: The number, size, and type of windows impact heat gain and loss.
- Occupants: The number of people in your home influences the cooling load.
Licensed HVAC professionals use precise calculations and software tools to determine the right size AC for your home. They ensure that your new system will provide optimal comfort, efficiency, and longevity.
The Peaden Way to Install an AC
Whatever HVAC services in Foley you need, you can depend on our team. We offer next installs and back up our services with a 100% guarantee. Our experts will ensure you have a new air conditioner that is accurately sized for the best performance and many years of cooling.