When it comes to central air conditioners, size matters. If your AC unit is too small, it won’t be able to effectively cool your home. On the other hand, if it’s too large, you’ll end up wasting energy and money. So how do you determine what size central air conditioner you need? In this article, we’ll walk you through a few simple steps that will help you make the right decision.
Why is the Size of Your Central Air Conditioner So Important?
Your central air conditioner has to work harder (and use more energy) if it’s not the right size for your home. An AC unit that’s too small will have to run for longer periods of time in order to cool your home, which can lead to higher energy bills. Conversely, an AC unit that’s too large will cool your home too quickly, resulting in wasted energy.
The size of your central air conditioner also has an impact on indoor air quality. If your AC unit is too small, it won’t be able to remove enough humidity from the air, which can lead to condensation and mold growth. On the other hand, if it’s too large, it will cycle on and off too frequently, which can also have a negative impact on indoor air quality. Along with this, you should also have a set of questions to ask when buying a central air conditioner as your guide because this will help you avoid making a purchase you’ll regret.
How to Calculate What Size Central Air Conditioner You Need?
There are a few different factors that you’ll need to take into account when calculating the size of your central air conditioner. Here’s a quick overview of each one:
- The size of your home: This is probably the most important factor that you’ll need to consider. The larger your home, the more cooling capacity you’ll need.
- The climate: If you live in an area with a hot, humid climate, you’ll need a unit with more cooling capacity.
- The number of rooms: The more rooms you have in your home, the more cooling capacity you’ll need.
- The level of insulation: If your home is well-insulated, you’ll need a smaller unit.
- The number of people: The more people there are in your home, the more heat they’ll generate, and the more cooling capacity you’ll need.
Now that you know what factors to consider, you can start calculating the size of your central air conditioner. Here’s a quick overview of how to do it:
Step one: Determine the square footage of your home. This can be done by measuring the length and width of each room and multiplying them together.
Step two: Add up the total square footage of all the rooms in your home.
Step three: Find the climate zone for your area. This information can be found on the Department of Energy’s website.
Step four: Use the chart below to determine how many BTUs of cooling capacity you need per square foot.
Step five: Multiply the total square footage of your home by the number of BTUs you need per square foot. This will give you the minimum amount of cooling capacity that you’ll need for your home.
To Conclude
Now that you know how to calculate the size of your central air conditioner, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. You may even consult with a professional for ac installation in Atlanta and ask for their help in picking out the perfect unit for your home. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect central air conditioner for your home.