Earlier this week we discussed some of our favorite features to look for in a new air conditioner. Today we want to discuss another topic that’s important when you’re in the process of installing a new air conditioner: size.
Why do people choose the wrong air conditioner size?
Unfortunately, improperly sized air conditioners are much more common than they should be. There are a few reasons for this. For one, smaller air conditioners are typically cheaper than larger air conditioners. As a result, some people will choose an air conditioner that’s too small because they think it’s saving them money. On the other end of the spectrum, some people have a “bigger is the better” idea when it comes to choosing an air conditioner. As you’ll see below, both scenarios can lead to unintended consequences.
Common problems with an air conditioner that’s too small
If your air conditioner is too small for your home, it won’t be powerful enough to provide an adequate amount of cooling output. This means that your home will usually not be quite as cool as you want it to be. In addition, an air conditioner that’s too small will be running almost non-stop as it tries to keep up with your home’s demands. This will be a drain on your energy bills and likely lead to frequent breakdowns and a shorter operating life. So much for saving money by choosing a smaller unit!
Common problems with an air conditioner that’s too big
If your air conditioner is too big, it will be too powerful for your home’s cooling requirements. This means that your air conditioner will cycle on and off frequently because it won’t take long to meet your home’s cooling demands. Frequent cycling will waste a lot of energy and can put a lot of stress on your air conditioner, which can lead to breakdowns and a shorter operating life (sound familiar?).
Because an air conditioner that’s too big turns on and off so frequently, it also allows less time for your cooling system to filter and dehumidify your home’s air. This can make your home uncomfortable and allow contaminants to build up in your air.
How to ensure you install the right-sized air conditioner
To ensure your air conditioner is sized correctly for your home, always work with a trusted professional like Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical. We’ll take all of your home’s features into account to calculate the perfect air conditioner size for your home based on the industry’s guidelines.
If you have any questions about the size of your air conditioner, or if you’d like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical, your St. Louis air conditioner installation and repair company. We service the St. Louis area, including surrounding towns like O’Fallon, St. Charles, and Town and Country, MO.
photo credit: g – s – h via photopin cc
