What size central air conditioner do I need? When it comes to central air conditioners, size matters. If your AC unit is too small, it won’t be able to cool your home correctly. On the other hand, if it’s too large, it will cool your home too quickly and shut off before it has a chance to remove the humidity from the air. Not only is this inefficient, but it can also make your home feel clammy and uncomfortable.
So how do you choose the correct size AC unit for your home? Keep reading to find out.
How to Find The Right Size of Central AC Unit?
You need to consider a few things when determining the size of the central air conditioner you need for your home. The first is the square footage of the room or rooms you want to cool. It’s important to note that you can’t just go by square footage alone.
You also need to consider the height of the ceilings in the room. Generally speaking, you will need about 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot of space if you have standard eight-foot ceilings. If your ceilings are above eight feet, you will need about 30 BTUs per square foot.
Another factor to consider is the amount of sunlight that comes into the room during the day. Rooms that get a lot of sunlight will require more BTUs than rooms that don’t get as much sunlight. It is because heat from the sun will cause the air in the room to rise, making it more difficult for the air conditioner to cool the space down.
Moreover, you need to consider any other heat sources in the room, such as computers, lamps, televisions, and ovens. These heat sources will add to the overall BTU requirement for the space.
Effects of Incorrectly Sized Central AC Units
Your central air conditioner is one of the essential appliances in your home—especially if you live in a hot climate. Not only does it keep you and your family cool and comfortable during the dog days of summer, but it also helps to protect your home from heat and humidity. That’s why ensuring that your AC unit is the correct size for your home is essential. An incorrectly sized unit can lead to several problems, including:
Incorrectly Sized Units are Inefficient
One of the most common problems with an incorrectly sized AC unit is that it simply isn’t very efficient. A central AC unit that is too small for the space it is trying to cool will have to work much harder than necessary to achieve the desired temperature. It not only leads to higher energy bills but also puts unnecessary wear and tear on the unit, which can shorten its lifespan.
On the other hand, a unit that is too large for the space will cool the area quickly but then shut off before getting rid of all the humidity. It can leave your home feeling damp and clammy, which is uncomfortable and can lead to health problems such as mould and mildew.
In either case, an inefficient AC unit wastes money and resources. That’s why ensuring that your unit is properly sized for your home is vital.
Central AC Unit Wears Out Quickly
Another problem with an incorrectly sized AC unit is that it will wear out more quickly than a properly sized unit. It is because an AC unit that is too small will have to run for more extended periods to achieve the desired temperature, while a central AC unit that is too large will cycle on and off more frequently. Both of these scenarios put unnecessary stress on the unit, which leads to increased wear and tear. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs or even premature failure.
Operating Costs Increases
In addition to being inefficient and shortening the lifespan of your AC unit, an incorrectly sized unit will also increase your operating costs. It is because larger units use more energy, while smaller central AC units have to run for longer periods. In either case, you’ll end up paying more in energy costs than you would with an appropriately sized unit.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size central air conditioner for your home is essential for several reasons. Not only will it help to keep your energy costs down, but it will also extend the life of your AC unit and keep your home more comfortable. When selecting a central air conditioner unit, consider the square footage of your home, the amount of sunlight it receives, and any other sources of heat. Doing so will ensure that you choose a unit that is the correct size for your needs.
