Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means!
It means you want to make sure your air conditioner is fully equipped to handle the heat. This might not have been the answer you expected. Nevertheless, it’s important to think about.
It may be time for you to invest in a new air conditioning system, and if this is the case, you want to ensure that your new system is the right match for your home. Of course, since we’re so close to the official start of summer, it’s likely tempting for you to go out and get the biggest, most powerful AC system for your budget, but rushing into this purchase isn’t a great idea.
When it comes to your air conditioner, there are some factors to consider that are important to the system’s performance, efficiency, and longevity in your home. One of these factors is the size of your air conditioner. Did you know that an overpowered, or oversized, unit can be just as detrimental to your home’s comfort as an undersized one? Read on as we explain.
The Problem with an Oversized Air Conditioner
You may think that “bigger is better” when it comes to your air conditioner. And sure, your house might cool off more quickly—but not more efficiently. This is because optimal air conditioner efficiency occurs through continued operation and regular cooling cycles. When an air conditioner is too big for the home, the desired temperature on your thermostat will be reached too quickly, and then the system will shut down before it’s completed a full cooling cycle. This process is what’s known as short-cycling.
Short-cycling is a big deal when it comes to your HVAC systems. Not only does it lead to extreme inefficiency, but it also puts a large amount of stress on your air conditioner, leading to an increased need for AC repair and operational problems. Unfortunately, the only way to “fix” this problem is to replace the system entirely, which can be quite an expensive undertaking.
But if you’re just now exploring installation and have come across this blog post, you’re in luck! Our technicians will ensure that your air conditioner is properly matched to your specific home and your household’s needs.
The Issue with Undersized Air Conditioners
As you probably guessed, an undersized air conditioner won’t be able to keep up with your home’s cooling demands, which will force the system to work much harder than it should otherwise need to. When the system has to work harder than normal, you can expect a rise in energy costs.
In addition, an undersized unit will simply not be able to keep your home as comfortable as you’d like it to be, and during our hot summer days, this can be understandably problematic. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you have a properly sized air conditioner installed right from the beginning.
How Are Systems Sized?
Properly sizing an air conditioner involves looking at the overall output of the air conditioner along with other factors of your home. Square footage plays a role, but we also look at the type of insulation you have, the number of windows and doors, and whether you have vaulted ceilings or not, among other factors.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions you might have about air conditioner sizing!
For quality air conditioning installation, contact “The Guys in the Big Red Trucks”—Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc.