Correctly Sizing an Air Conditioner

Climate plays a pivotal role in determining the correct AC unit size for a home.

Air conditioning systems have become increasingly energy-efficient, economical, and technologically advanced. Coupled with appropriate home insulation, the latest models of home cooling systems can potentially reduce energy consumption by up to 50%. This translates into significant savings on summer power bills and a substantial reduction in personal carbon footprint upon installing a new, energy-efficient, and reliable home cooling system.

For optimal performance, however, the central AC unit must be correctly sized. Many homeowners end up purchasing and installing cooling systems that are either too small to adequately cool their home's square footage or overly large, resulting in inefficiency. Both scenarios can lead to increased power bills and inconsistent home comfort. When it comes to a AC unit, size indeed matters.

Factors determining the correct size include:

Typical Climate

Climate plays a pivotal role in determining the correct AC unit size for a home. Although it seems obvious, requirements differ greatly from someone residing in the desert southwest or extreme north. For example, summers in Baltimore can be quite uncomfortable, with daily temperatures often reaching near 90 degrees, and muggy conditions persisting from April through mid-October some years. Even though Maryland isn't tropical, a system should be sized to cope with our "wet-blanket" summer climate.

Home Size

Square Footage is as crucial as climate when considering air conditioning.It’s obvious that a 5-bedroom colonial home will require a different size AC unit compared to a 3-bedroom ranch. However, factors such as usable square footage, ceiling heights, and structure type also influence the size of an air conditioner and whether a homeowner might need dual heat and air.

Insulation Efficiency

Insulation collaborates with a HVAC system to regulate the home's temperature and prevent inefficiency. Certified AC technicians can evaluate insulation and R factor to identify the most suitable system for the home.

Impact of Windows on Comfort

The number and size of windows significantly impact comfort. Despite having well-insulated windows, sunlight, which can be intense during the peak of Baltimore summers, does penetrate. A professional HVAC Technician will take into account the quantity and placement of windows when determining the most efficient AC unit for a client's home.

Expert Assistance for Choosing the Right System

A certified AC technician can inspect, assess specific areas of need, and assist in choosing the very best home cooling system for personal comfort, energy efficiency, and budget. Purchasing air conditioning for the home isn’t something done every day; a professional who understands the innermost workings of home cooling, and can recommend the best system for the job.

Fix My Air DFW of Fort Worth specializes in residential and commercial HVAC services, including routine maintenance, installation, and repair. All makes/models. Call us at (817)839-3511.