Summer means that our cooling systems are working a lot to keep our homes cool and comfy. However, if you have an old air conditioner, it might not be able to cool your home like it used to. It might be time to get an air conditioner replacement, especially when you have a unit that breaks down frequently.
Many homeowners are confused about what air conditioner will work best. Some might be tempted to purchase the same model, but this only leads to a repetition of your previous cooling problems. Others might buy the biggest air conditioner available because they think it’ll help cool their homes faster. However, it is always better to consider the needs of your home when buying a new air conditioner. One of these factors is air conditioner sizing.
Read on to find out the importance of air conditioner size among other things you need to know about it.
What Is A Manual J Load Calculation & Why Is It Important?
Contents
A Manual J load calculation is a complex process done by a licensed HVAC contractor to find your home’s cooling load. It includes several factors that influence your home’s cooling needs. A professional can utilize advanced software for quick and precise results. They also quantify specific features of your home. These include:
- the ceiling height
- floor area, insulation
- number of occupants
- materials the house is made of
- window sizes
- structure orientation
- local climate
- among others
This calculation will provide the exact cooling load of your home, so there is no need to guess when it comes to the air conditioner size you need.
Cooling Comfort
Air conditioners were specifically designed to elevate people’s comfort. However, cooling is only one part of it. A cooling system is also tasked with reducing indoor humidity through a process called condensation. This is when vapor turns into water when it comes in contact with the unit’s coils. It is then disposed of properly via a drainage channel. However, if you have a unit that is too large, your home cools down faster, so the cycle ends before sufficient dehumidification occurs. The high indoor humidity will lead to the occupants feeling uncomfortable and sticky. Homeowners tend to set the temperature lower, thinking this will solve the issue. However, this will only lead to increased energy consumption. In addition, the shorter cycles a unit that is too large will experience severely affect indoor air quality. This is because less air is forced through the filters, so it is not cleaned sufficiently and correctly.
A unit that is too small also presents a few problems. It cannot handle your home’s cooling needs, often taking too long to reach the set temperature. In some instances, a system that is too small might not even be able to counter the scorching weather outside. It will typically strain to reach the desired temperature but still fail to do so. As it constantly runs, the air conditioner’s components become more prone to wear and tear. Therefore, you can expect frequent repairs and maybe even premature replacement.
HVAC Efficiency
A high SEER rating is an excellent indicator of an air conditioner’s efficiency. It gauges how effective a system is when converting electrical energy into cooling power. However, some homeowners think that this is the only factor that affects the system’s efficiency. They disregard proper sizing, which leads to a unit failing to reach its potential SEER rating. It will function sub-optimally, experiencing either shortened or extended cycles. This uses a lot of power while wearing out your unit. Therefore, ensure that you do not have a mismatched unit and ensure it is correctly sized and has a high SEER rating at the same time.
Operational Cost
An incorrectly sized air conditioner with a high SEER rating can be costly from the onset. You end up paying more than necessary for your cooling system. Remember that the higher the horsepower an AC has, the more expensive it is. Therefore, it is a must to factor in your home’s cooling needs before buying a unit.
Frequent cycling also wastes energy and leads to faster wear and tear. The reduced efficiency means you’ll have higher utility bills. The strain placed on your air conditioner can lead to frequent breakdowns. Therefore, you’ll need repairs more often as well. You might even have to replace your system earlier than expected. Prevent spending more than you need to through proper air conditioner sizing. A Manual J load calculation done by a professional will save you money in the long run.
Why An Air Conditioning Unit That Is Too Large Is Problematic
A large unit tends to have shorter cycles, meaning it cools your home too fast. It also cannot eliminate the excess moisture from the air as effectively. The air quality inside your house will suffer as well. The air conditioner that is too large for the space will run at less-than-optimal levels, so it is not as cost-effective to operate. Your house will be cold but humid. Not only that, but you most likely had to overspend to get the unit.
Why An Air Conditioner That is Too Small Is Problematic
A unit that is too small also presents many problems because it does not have the cooling power to ensure that the home’s needs are achieved. It will operate continuously but still fail to reach the set temperature. As a result, you won’t feel the comfort that you want during hot summer days. Not only that, but the air conditioner components are overworked. This leads to early equipment failure that needs to be replaced prematurely.
Conclusion
Selecting the right air conditioner for your home doesn’t mean you have to get the biggest or smallest one. After all, this does not guarantee that it will be the most suitable unit for you. Every home has different needs, and the right one needs to meet your home’s requirements. Air conditioner size is an essential and determining factor in your home’s comfort, efficiency, and cost. Do not rely on general guesses. Instead, hire a licensed HVAC contractor who utilizes scientific tools to determine the exact AC size your home needs.
Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For Your Air Conditioning Requirements
When you need superior HVAC services in Greater Princeton, NJ, do not hesitate to call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning. Our professionally certified and highly skilled technicians provide excellent heating and cooling services, including air conditioner installation, mini-split replacement, furnace maintenance, and more. All our techs have extensive knowledge and experience to ensure accurate HVAC services at all times.
Our company offers one of the most affordable and competitive HVAC service rates in the area. If you want to have enhanced comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality at home, our maintenance services can undoubtedly help. We can also recommend the best repair and replacement solutions that fit your needs and budget. Rest assured, all our works come with a guarantee. Book your next service appointment with PFO Heating & Air Conditioning by giving us a call today. We provide free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!