Whether you’re buying a central unit or a window type air conditioner, properly sizing is more important than you might think. The size of the system should be in proportion to the space that needs to be cooled. That’s because it can affect your overall comfort, the system’s energy efficiency, and longevity.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted HVAC company in Plymouth MN. Our goal is to give you the ultimate solutions to your home comfort issues, including sizing your AC properly.
Overview
Air conditioner sizing is more than just guesswork or basic estimation. You need to consult a trained HVAC professional to help you find the right cooling system for your home.
Some of the factors that can affect your decision-making process include:
- your home’s building materials,
- its size,
- the direction it faces,
- the location and number of rooms,
- the type of windows and doors,
- their thermal efficiencies,
- your region’s climate,
- the height of your ceiling, among others.
When an Air Conditioner is Improperly Sized for Your Home
An improperly sized air conditioner is either oversized or undersized. If your unit is too large for your home, it will have too much power. It cools the home too quickly and shuts down before it has run a full cycle. This problem is called “short cycling” and could lead to the system’s premature deterioration, requiring you to replace the unit much earlier than when a properly sized AC was installed.
From a different angle, an air conditioner that’s not properly sized causes you to have excessively high energy bills and frequent repairs. Since the system functions in less desirable situations, it is forced to short cycle (an oversized unit) or overheat (an undersized unit).
Inconsistent cooling is another issue associated with an improperly sized air conditioner, which is designed to cool the air in your home and remove excess moisture. The air should pass over the evaporator coils, dropping the temperature by 20 degrees Fahrenheit. When the coil’s temperature is below the air’s saturation point, water vapor condenses on the coil’s surface.
An oversized AC fails to humidify the air that travels over the cooling coils properly. Since it cools the home too quickly, the water cannot condense on the coil and is redistributed into the room. As a result, you get a sticky feeling, which not many of us consider comfortable.
It is also typical for homes with improperly sized air conditioners to suffer from hot and cold spots. In other words, some rooms are considerably warmer than others. Some homeowners resort to buying a secondary AC to compensate for the lack of cooling power.
When an Air Conditioner is Properly Sized for Your Home
While choosing the right cooling system for your home can be tedious, but the result is definitely worth your effort. First, a properly sized AC offers optimum performance. It will provide your cooling demands regardless of the outside temperature. You won’t have any short cycling issues nor humidity problems.
Second, you’ll enjoy lower monthly energy bills. Since the system is working in ideal situations, you will notice a sizeable decrease in your energy expenses. While you have no control over your area’s power costs, you sure can control how your AC performs.
Last, you can expect your properly sized air conditioner to last. Buying a new cooling system is a huge investment for most families, and you’d want your unit to stay with you for many years. A properly sized system has low wear and tear levels because it is compatible with your cooling demands and the build of your home.
Need Help Finding the Right AC? Call the Cooling Experts
Here at Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning, we understand that investing in a new cooling system is a stake in your family’s comfort. We hire HVAC professionals who have been factory trained and certified to make long-term solutions to your home comfort needs. Give us a call, and we’ll listen to you. We’ll help you find the right system for your home. We are your reliable Maple Grove AC installation company.