What Size AC Do I need?

When looking for a new air conditioner installation, it is essential to know that bigger units are not always the best for your home. Oversized units are excessively costly and won’t perform well in smaller households. Your favorite Pasadena HVAC company, Air Tech of Pasadena, has created a guide to finding the perfect AC unit for your home, taking both size and efficiency into account.

Issues With an Oversized AC Unit

Many people believe that a larger air conditioner unit will cool their homes more efficiently than one suited to the size of their home. However, this is a myth! An oversized AC can cause numerous problems for homeowners.

Effects of Short-Cycling

Oversized units run for shorter periods than they are supposed to. These larger systems release a burst of cooler air into households, causing the thermostat to shut the unit off before the home is completely cooled. This is known as short-cycling, which wears out and causes damage to the air conditioner.

Shorter operation times also affect the unit’s ability to remove humidity indoors, thus making it difficult for homeowners to feel comfortable.

Higher Utility Bills

When oversized AC systems turn on and off more frequently, they use more power than an average-sized unit. The increase in power causes long-term higher energy bills, making it very energy inefficient.

Finding the Proper Air Conditioning Unit Size

Many factors go into new AC installations, but finding the correct size for your household is necessary to the unit’s functionality. Here is what you can look for when choosing a new system for your home:

BTUs and Tonnage

British Thermal Units (BTUs) measure a quantity of heat. This measurement determines how much energy an AC unit uses to remove heat from a household. 12,000 BTUs is equal to one ton of AC cooling capacity. The tonnage of a cooling system establishes how many BTUs it can remove from a space within one hour.

An air conditioning system’s tonnage and the BTUs it can remove are two important details when choosing the ideal unit for your home. Ultimately, it prevents a homeowner from purchasing an incorrectly sized unit.

Square Footage of Household

A house’s square footage is a primary factor when considering the size of an AC unit. If a household has higher square footage, the AC unit will need a higher tonnage to remove more BTUs.

Other Household Factors

Previously existing factors in a household may affect the size of a new AC installation. Some of these factors include:

• Height of ceilings
• Existing insulation
• Number and type of windows in a home

These aspects are taken into consideration when choosing the size of an AC unit as they can affect how quickly and effectively your new unit can cool your home.

Benefits of a Correctly Sized Air Conditioner

Having the correct size air conditioning can be a game-changer for many people. Not only do you avoid issues with short-cycling and higher utility bills, but there are some benefits that your household can experience.

Humidity Control

There is no escaping humidity in Southeast Texas. However, a correctly sized AC unit cycles long enough for the system to dehumidify the inside of a household. Also, dehumidification prevents mold and mildew from growing indoors, keeping a home in good condition.

Fewer Maintenance Problems

Short-cycling can damage your unit, possibly causing it to overheat. Therefore, units properly sized for a household experience fewer problems and require fewer AC repairs.

Improved Overall Comfort

Correctly sized AC units produce air at lower volumes and do not disrupt a household environment. These units cycle gradually, helping keep the inside of a household cool and comfortable. Overall, the proper AC unit is also reliable, an important factor for homeowner’s to consider.

Contact Us!

At Air Tech of Pasadena, we understand that purchasing a new air conditioner can be a long process. We’re here to help you make it easier! If you have any questions about AC replacement, contact us today!