Air Conditioner Size: Why is it important, and how can you choose the right air conditioner?
When we buy an air conditioner, we consider efficiency, energy star certification, inverter technology, and many more. But the most important thing we should consider is the size of the air conditioner and its cooling capacity. This article will discuss why the right size is important and how you can calculate the right size for your needs.
What is the cooling capacity of an air conditioner?
The cooling capacity of an air conditioner is about an area which an air conditioner can effectively cool. If the size of an air conditioner is small and the area is large, the air conditioner will not be able to provide the required cooling. So proper sizing is important for a comfortable indoor environment and reduced energy bills.
To buy the right air conditioner size, you must know how to measure the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. It is expressed in BTU or ton. You are technically speaking, “the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one Fahrenheit .”A high BTU means the HVAC unit can heat or cool a large area. Tonnage is the amount of heat that an air conditioning unit can remove from your home in an hour. 12000 BTU is equal to one ton. Residential air conditioners are usually 1.5 tons to 5 tons. Both of these terms are used interchangeably to express the cooling capacity of air conditioners.
What is the right air conditioner size for you?
Usually, people have no idea what the right size of an air conditioner will be sufficient to fulfill their needs. The following few things can help you to find the right size.
Generally, the room size is used to determine the size of the air conditioning unit. However, the size of the room is not enough; many other factors affect the air conditioner size. For instance, wall material, wall insulation, inside and outside temperature difference, humidity levels, location of the room, and flooring material are also important to determine the size of the air conditioner. Here we discuss some important factors in detail.
Room size is the most important factor in determining the air conditioner size. Multiply the width and length of the room to find the space area which needs cooling or heating. If the room is not a rectangle or square, you can use room size calculators for precise results. Now you have to calculate BTU, and for that, you have to multiply the area of your room by 25. 20 BTU is the standard requirement for each square foot. If the room is in a shady place in the house, you can reduce BTU by 10%, and if it is in direct sunlight, you need to increase the BTU by 10%. If there are more people in the room, you require more BTU.
Room height: We have calculated the length and width of the room, but in the size calculation, we haven’t considered the room’s height. The height of the room plays a vital role in determining the cooling capacity of the air conditioning unit. High ceiling rooms have more air, which needs to be cooled. High positioned split air conditioners are more efficient as compared to window-mounted units. Warm air rises, and a high-positioned unit can cool it more effectively.
Wall insulation: Wall insulation is non-conductive material that doesn’t allow heat to transfer. It is installed on the walls of the room. It maintains room temperature, cold in summer and hot in winter. If there is good wall insulation in the room, the air conditioner will have to work less. The room will retain the heat or cold. On the other hand, if there is no insulation on the walls, the room will get hot or cold quickly. In this case, your AC has to work for a longer time.
Humidity level: More humidity in the air demands more air conditioning. The air conditioner produces cold air and works as a dehumidifier. Removing excess water from the atmosphere makes a temperature difference as well. If you live in a humid area, you may need an air conditioner with extra capacity.
Location: The house’s location is another factor in determining the required size for your air conditioning unit. If sunlight falls directly on the house, it will increase its requirement for more BTUs. But if your home is in a shady place, you can manage with a smaller system.
Windows: The number of windows, size, and type also determine air conditioning requirements. If your windows have low E film or double pane windows, a small air conditioning unit can work efficiently. Cracked windows can be a source of energy loss and increase your BTU requirements. Moreover, natural light can be a source of unwanted heat in your room, so your air conditioner has to work less if you have window tints.
Why is air conditioning size important?
Many people want to play safe and buy an air conditioner having a capacity more than their requirements. However, there are a few problems associated with large air conditioners. It will use more electricity, and you have to pay high electricity bills. The extra cooling is nothing but a waste of money. On the contrary, if the Air conditioner is too small for your needs, it will not provide the required cooling. It will be over-stressed, and as a result, its life will be reduced.
So, it’s recommended to buy the appropriate size for your air conditioner. You can calculate the size of the room and consider all the other factors. HVAC experts can also help you decide on your air conditioner’s size. Getting some expert advice is not bad; it can save you money and electricity bills. So, choose the right air conditioner size to take advantage of its cooling capacity. Moreover, some manufacturers offer better products than others, choose a good air conditioning unit as it will go a long way.
About Century Air Conditioning & Heating
Century Air Conditioning & Heat was established in 1986. We’re a family owned and operated HVAC contractor in Orlando, FL. For over 36 years, we’ve been a trusted source for air conditioning equipment, heating equipment and related services. Century is an A+ BBB accredited business.
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