A GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS ON SELECTING THE APPROPRIATE SIZE AIR CONDITIONER
Choosing the right size air conditioner for your home is crucial to ensuring that your home stays cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. A unit that is too small won’t be able to keep up with demand, while a unit that is too large will waste energy and money. In this guide, we’ll go over some key factors to consider when choosing the right sized air conditioner for your home.
WHAT SIZE AIR CONDITIONER DO I NEED?
This is a common question from homeowners looking to outfit a new build or to replace an older unit. And finally, this is a very important question to ask yourself.
How do you know if your air conditioner is the right size? How many BTUs should you have? What about square meters or windows in the house? This blog post answers all of these questions and more! We’re talking about sizing your air conditioner based on square footage, the type of windows you have, and more.
FIRST, WHAT ARE BTUS?
Let’s start by looking at BTUs. What is that? Well, you’ve probably seen the BTU number on your air conditioner and wondered what it means.
Well, a British thermal unit is basically the amount of energy it takes to heat or cool something by one degree Fahrenheit in one hour. So if an AC unit is 12,000 BTU, it can cool 12,000 BTU of space in one hour. When thinking about the size of AC unit you need, really ask yourself how many BTUs your unit should be.
NEXT, HOW BIG IS YOUR HOUSE?
Now that you know about BTUs and how they work, let’s talk a little about how they interact with your home’s square footage.
First of all, you need to know the square meters of your apartment. This helps determine how many BTUs per hour are needed to adequately cool or heat your home. So if you have a larger area, then more energy is required! The standard is 20 BTUs per square foot of space. So if you have 1,200 square feet, the size of air conditioner you need is 24,000 BTUs or more.
WHAT IF YOU HAVE TALL CEILINGS OR LOTS OF WINDOWS?
Another thing that impacts your Roanoke VA air conditioner selection is whether your ceilings are high or the windows in your home are particularly large.
If any of these things apply to your space, it’s important to consider them when choosing an air conditioner. Higher ceilings require more BTUs per hour. The higher your ceiling, the more heat gets trapped there and needs to be cooled in order not to affect the temperature of the rest of your home!
Large windows, especially in an older home, can do something similar. Of course, modern homes don’t usually have this problem.
Now you know all about how BTUs work and what affects the size of your air conditioner! If you need additional decision support, Wisler Plumbing & Air is there for you. Simply contact our HVAC service in Roanoke, VA and we will guide you through selecting the right air conditioner for your home.
Factors to Consider
1. Square Footage
The size of your home is the most critical factor to consider when choosing an air conditioner. A unit that is too small for your home won’t be able to keep up with demand, while a unit that is too large will waste energy and money. To determine the appropriate size, measure the square footage of the area that you want to cool.
2. Climate
The climate in which you live will also impact the size of air conditioner you need. If you live in an area with high humidity, you’ll need a larger unit to keep up with demand. Conversely, if you live in a dry climate, a smaller unit may be sufficient.
3. Insulation
The insulation in your home will also impact the size of air conditioner you need. A well-insulated home will require a smaller unit, while a poorly insulated home will require a larger unit.
4. Windows and Doors
The number of windows and doors in your home will impact the size of air conditioner you need. If you have a lot of windows and doors, you’ll need a larger unit to keep up with demand.
5. Ceiling Height
The height of your ceilings will also impact the size of air conditioner you need. A home with high ceilings will require a larger unit to cool the entire space.
Sizing Your Air Conditioner
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can use a sizing chart to determine the appropriate size of air conditioner for your home. The chart will take into account the square footage of your home, the climate in which you live, the insulation in your home, and the number of windows and doors.
It’s important to note that sizing your air conditioner is not an exact science, and there are many variables that can impact the size of unit you need. As a general rule, it’s better to err on the side of caution and choose a slightly larger unit if you’re unsure.
FAQs
Q: Can I install an air conditioner myself?
A: While it is possible to install an air conditioner yourself, it is not recommended unless you have experience with HVAC systems. Improper installation can lead to poor performance, higher energy bills, and even damage to your home.
Q: How often should I replace my air conditioner?
A: The lifespan of an air conditioner can vary depending on how often it’s used and how well it’s maintained. A well-maintained unit can last up to 15 years, while a poorly maintained unit may need to be replaced after just a few years.
Q: Can I save money by buying a smaller air conditioner?
A: While a smaller air conditioner may be cheaper upfront, it will end up costing you more in the long run. A unit that is too small for your home will have to work harder to keep up with demand, leading to higher energy bills and more frequent repairs.
Q: Can I save money by buying a larger air conditioner?
A: While a larger air conditioner may be able to cool your home more quickly, it will end up wasting energy and money. A unit that is too large for your home will cycle on and off frequently, leading to higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for the unit.
Q: How can I improve the efficiency of my air conditioner?
A: There are several things you can do to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner. First, make sure that the unit is the appropriate size for your home. Second, keep the filter clean and replace it regularly. Third, have your air conditioner serviced by a professional technician at least once a year. Finally, make sure that your home is well-insulated and that doors and windows are sealed properly.
Q: How do I know if my air conditioner needs to be serviced?
A: There are several signs that your air conditioner may need to be serviced, including reduced airflow, strange noises or smells, and higher energy bills. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to have your unit serviced by a professional technician.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size air conditioner is crucial to ensuring that your home stays cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. Factors such as the square footage of your home, the climate in which you live, and the insulation in your home will impact the size of unit you need. Using a sizing chart and consulting with a HVAC professional can help ensure that you choose the appropriate size air conditioner for your home. With proper maintenance and care, your air conditioner can provide you with years of reliable service.
