If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, it’s important to make sure it’s the right size for your home so that you can adequately cool your home. Below are some factors to consider when selecting a new or replacement air conditioner for your home, but ultimately, we recommend talking to an experienced professional like those at Horizon Air Solutions.
Impacts of Improperly Sized Air Conditioners
An air conditioner that’s too small for your needs will constantly run and underperform, while a unit that’s oversized may cycle off prematurely or keep your home colder than you’d like. Additionally, you’ll see the impact in your monthly bills. If your air conditioner is too small, any savings you secured from purchasing an inexpensive unit will be lost due to higher-than-necessary energy bills. On the other hand, if you buy a unit that’s too large, it’ll cost you more initially with purchase and installation, and it will also run your energy bills up each month. Ultimately, it’s best for your comfort and wallet to take the time to get the right size the first time.
BTUs & Square Footage
To cool 1 square foot of living space properly, your unit needs about 20 BTU (British thermal units) per hour. Factors like windows, ceiling height, and the amount of sunlight each room gets each day can skew that formula slightly, but it’s a good place to start. Typically, you’ll see units that range from 5,000 BTU to 12,500 BTU, with the smaller end being great for a small office and the higher end used for large open floor plan spaces. Experienced technicians like those at Horizon Air Solutions can help you identify additional factors specific to your home to select the most appropriate unit for your needs.
Number of Air Conditioners Needed
In addition to the size of the air conditioner, you may need to consider the number of units you install in your home or office. Generally, central air conditioning systems are meant to cool an entire home, while window units or room-specific air conditioners are used in areas that need it most. However, if you have multiple stories or an expansive home layout, multiple units may be right for you.
Horizon Air Solutions Is the Air Conditioning Expert
Our team of experts is trained and knowledgeable. Whether you’re troubleshooting an existing air conditioner that won’t keep up, or you’re looking to install a modern energy-efficient model in your home, we’re here to help. We will also be here for all your air conditioning maintenance needs as well as any repair service needs you have over the life of your unit.
