Rules of thumb and ballpark guesses have a lot in common. They’re handy for estimates and don’t require a degree in mathematics. When you’re choosing the best AC for your home, these quick calculations might be tempting. Tonnage and square footage count, but it’s important to understand a few basics before deciding on the right air conditioning unit size for your house.
AC Size Really Matters
A large air conditioner seems to cool the house more efficiently, but that quick temperature drop comes at a price. The unit repeatedly turns on and off in a pattern called short-cycling. This constant start-up and shutdown forces the compressor to work harder and consume more energy. The on-off replay interferes with the AC’s ability to pull humidity from the air setting up an environment that encourages mold and mildew growth throughout the system. An air conditioner that’s too small compensates for its inability to cool properly by running non-stop. The house isn’t comfortable, and utility bills take a hit. Size matters, so how do you choose the best AC for your home?
Factoring the Right Fit
A popular AC rule of thumb calculates unit size by a ratio of 500 square feet of floor space to 1 ton of air conditioning. However, this formula leaves out some important factors. Brick homes are considered ideal for dealing with the Texas heat, but heavy insulation gives wood and vinyl siding definite advantages, and the color of the exterior counts too. The number and types of windows and doors in your house are part of the cooling equation along with the direction they face and how much shade they enjoy. Do all these variables really add up to making a smart decision? When you consider the benefits of the right AC fit for you home, the answer is yes.
Savings and Comfort Advantages
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, residential air conditioning in Texas accounts for 18 percent of home energy use. The short-cycling that results from an oversized unit drives up that cost, but an undersized unit that runs constantly is just as hard on home cooling costs. A residential AC system that’s properly sized to the house runs more efficiently, saves wear and tear on expensive components and extends the unit’s mechanical life. It also runs more quietly and handles humidity better, so your home stays comfortable and ductwork doesn’t turn into a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Max Air Does the Math
With so many considerations to take into account, you might wonder how it’s possible to pinpoint the correct AC tonnage for your home. Our certified professionals are highly trained and bring that industry-based knowledge to your project before we make a recommendation for your house. We start with a heat load calculation that factors in all the variables of your home’s construction and layout. This lets us measure how much heat enters the house and allows us to work out a ratio that determines the best size air conditioner for your square footage. Selling you a large AC unit isn’t our goal. Our priority is making sure that our air conditioning installation is the best match for your home.
Close counts when you’re pitching horseshoes, but installing a new air conditioner involves more than ballpark estimates and rules of thumb. Max Air provides professional matchmaking between your AC and home, and that keeps the family cool and utility bills under control. We have more than 20 years of experience with residential projects throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so give us a call today at 817-459-4100 or 972-233-1637, or set up a convenient service appointment online. You can always trust Max Air for a perfect AC fit.
