When it comes to purchasing a new air conditioner for your home, you likely approach it just like you do any other appliance purchase. While staying within your budget, you want the biggest unit available. This might work for other appliances, but it’s not the right way to go about your AC system purchase. In fact, an AC that is not properly sized by a professional can run into numerous problems.
When air conditioning technicians size an AC unit, they look at the correct BTUs needed, or British thermal units. This is a measurement of the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. This is not all, though; there are many other factors that a HVAC professional looks at. If any of these factors are missed and your HVAC technician does not appropriately size your unit, then you’ll likely be paying for a replacement system prematurely.
What Happens When My Air Conditioner Is the Wrong Size?
Let’s say that your AC system is too small. If so, then your home won’t be able to reach the correct temperature, yet the AC will run from long periods of time in an attempt to get there. This can cause your compressor to overheat, which eventually leads to AC replacement.
However, if the system you choose is too large, then your air conditioner won’t be able to cycle long enough to remove humidity from the air. This process of your unit shutting on and off rapidly is called short-cycling. This is a problem as the compressor can become damaged.
So What Factors do Professionals Consider?
As previously mentioned, HVAC technicians take many factors into consideration when appropriately sizing your air conditioner for your home. They’ll look at the following:
- Type of Construction
- Type of Insulation
- Placement of Windows and Doors
- Type of Windows
- Number of People in the Home
- Shading Outside of the Home
For expert air conditioning installation in Coeur d’Alene, WA, contact ACI Northwest today!