Air Conditioner Sizes: Why It Matters

When your air conditioner is old, then you are in the market to invest in a new one. This is especially the case when you notice signs of your unit working inefficiently. The size of an air conditioner unit determines its performance and functionality. For instance, a large AC unit will cool a given space much faster than a smaller AC unit. Be sure that the air conditioning replacement services Princeton NJ that you select takes your air conditioner size into consideration. Below is some more information on this topic.

Undersized Air Conditioner

A small AC unit is largely ineffective because it has to work hard to cool a given space according to the Department Of Energy. As a result, its parts are subjected to high levels of operational stress and ultimately frequent breakdowns. Of course, frequent repair and maintenance costs will make your AC unit uneconomical to operate.

Oversized Air Conditioner

An oversized AC is also ineffective because it consumes a lot of energy to cool a small space. In other words, it is energy inefficient and likely to experience short cycling problems.

Choosing the Right AC Unit

Before proceeding further, it is worth noting that the cooling ability of AC units is measured in BTUs. This unit is a measure of how efficiently and quickly an air conditioning unit can cool a particular space. What’s more, the cooling capacity of most modern AC units ranges from 5,000 BTUs to 20,000 BTUs. Some of the factors that determine the efficiency of an air conditioning unit include

• the size of a room
• ceiling height
• location
• exposure to direct sunlight
• local climate.

For instance, you should increase the BTU rating by 10% when selecting an AC to install in a room that receives a lot of sunlight. This is to ensure that the AC can handle the cooling demands of the room whenever temperatures are high. Similarly, decrease the BTU by 10% for a room that receives a minimal amount of sunlight.

It is also important to estimate the size of AC you need to cool your home. You can do so in several ways. Firstly, multiply your home’s square footage by 25 and then divide by 12,000. For example, a 2,000 sq. ft. home will require an(2,000 × 25)/12,000 = 4.17-ton sized AC. However, this is an estimate and you should consult an expert if you need a more accurate figure. Alternatively, you can use AC size charts and calculators found online to determine the size of AC you should purchase. The “one-ton per 500 sq. ft. of space” rule can also help you determine the size of air conditioner you require. Regardless, it is always best to consult with an HVAC specialist before you make a major purchase such as an air conditioner.

Additionally, the Energy Star recommendations increasing your air conditioner cooling capacity by 4,000 BTUs if you intend to install it in a kitchen. When selecting an AC unit to install in a room frequently occupied by more than one person, ramp up the cooling capacity by 600 BTUs for each extra person.

Conclusion

The size of an AC unit determines its functionality and cooling efficiency. A large AC installed to cool a small space causes problems such as short cycling, whereas an undersized AC struggles to cool the space where it is fitted. Besides size, you should also consider room location, ceiling height, and local climate when purchasing an AC unit.

Air Conditioning Replacement Services Princeton NJ