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Coeur D’Alene & Spokane Area

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AC FAQ: How Big Should My Air Conditioner Be?

Too many installers don’t take the time to truly consider a home’s needs before putting in an air conditioner. Experienced technicians know that the size of an air conditioner can have a major impact on its performance, the efficiency of the system, and its lifespan. So if you’re considering a new air conditioner, make sure that you find a qualified technician to take care of the work. Here’s why this is such an important question, and why it can only be answered after a visit from a technician.

Oversized and Undersized Air Conditioners Cause Trouble

The smaller the air conditioner, the lower the price. But an air conditioning system that is too small will not cool down your home fast enough. You will feel a lot less comfortable, and your system may run continuously in an attempt to reach the temperature that you programmed on your thermostat. This will overwork the system, raise your bills, and lead to your air conditioner’s early demise.

So going up a few sizes should solve this problem, right? Well, first of all, you’ll be paying for additional cooling capacity that you don’t need. But also, an air conditioner that is too large may begin to short cycle. This means it will have shorter run times and switch on too frequently, another way for an air conditioner to become overworked.

What Goes into Sizing a System?

Sizing an air conditioner is actually a rather complex process. You must keep in mind the size of the rooms, but also any shading around the house, the locations of windows, and any insulation. A quality technician uses complex engineering calculations to determine exactly which size air conditioner is right for your home, so contact an expert as soon as you decide to install a new system.

ACI is here to help in your home comfort needs or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us for helpful advice about your air conditioner in the Spokane Valley area.

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