When you buy a new air conditioner, you need to take careful stock of its size. And we don’t just mean its physical size (though obviously you need it to fit comfortably in the space allotted for it). The power output of your air conditioner needs to fit the needs of your space perfectly. If your new unit is underpowered, it will run and run all day without ever properly cooling your home. If it’s too powerful, it will engage in “short cycling”: cooling the air too rapidly and shutting on and off numerous times throughout the day. (Air conditioners use exponentially more power starting up and shutting down than they do simply running, which means that short cycling can lead to higher energy bills and increased risk of repair.
For residents of Havertown and Springfield, PA, the wrong-sized air conditioner can cost you a considerable amount of money as our hot and humid summer kicks into gear. A trained professional can size your new AC unit properly, but what factors go into air conditioning sizing? We’ve provided a quick list below.
- Square footage. Square footage is the most basic measurement determining an air conditioner’s power needs. The general rule is 12,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) per hour for every 500 square feet, though some spaces (like kitchens) require more.
- Sunlight exposure. Large windows facing the east or west allow sunlight into your home, raising the temperature and requiring a more powerful air conditioner.
- Insulation. Your home’s insulation keeps warm air out during the summer as effectively as it keeps warm air in in the winter. The more insulation you have, the less powerful your air conditioner needs to be.
If you’re purchasing a new air conditioner, make sure to have your home sized by the experts at Wm Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc.!