The air conditioner is one of the most popular appliances in US homes. Did you know that once air conditioning was a luxury among US residents? Well, that is not the case today.
In 2016, there were 1.6 billion air conditioning units in the world. In the US, there are more than 374 million units. Experts forecast that by 2050, there will be a 244% increase in AC units.
The growth of air conditioners in the world is one of the top drivers of worldwide electricity demand.
Do I Need a Bigger Air Conditioner?
Most homeowners believe that a bigger air conditioner Palm Harbor equals a better air conditioner. Well, this is not true in most cases. Buying a bigger air conditioner is expensive and so is running the unit.
As you already know, the bigger the unit, the more power hungry it is. As such, it consumes more energy than a standard unit. If you have a small home and you get to buy a bigger air conditioner, your utility costs will be high.
In a small home, the big air conditioner will work too efficiently. The reason for this is that it will pump more cool air into your home than a standard AC unit. In this case, your home will reach the set temperature in minutes.
When this happens, your AC unit will shut off. The on and off cycle creates humidity problems leading to a clammy home.
What Factors Should I Consider When Shopping for the Right Air Conditioner?
There are several factors you have to consider when shopping for a better air conditioner. In this process, it is wise to hire a professional HVAC technician. He will start by carrying out a load calculation.
To get the correct value, he will consider the following factors:
- Type of window
- Local weather
- Size of your home
- Number of occupants
- Presence of insulation or weather stripping in your garage, attic, and walls
- R-value of insulation
- Presence of shade from trees or bushes
- Type of foundation
- Color and type of roof
Once the above information has been collected, the HVAC expert will use the Manual J protocol. Established by the ACCA, it allows technicians to calculate the load and recommend the right AC unit.
Why Is Sizing Your Home Important?
For starters, it helps you buy the right air conditioner for your home. If your home is small, you don’t have to buy a bigger AC unit as it is expensive to buy and run. Also, it will not remove latent heat in your home leaving a clammy feeling.
By sizing your home, you get to save on the right unit and on energy costs. Also, you ensure system efficiency.
A Bigger Air Conditioner Is Not Always Better
If you want to keep your home cool during summer and increase energy efficiency, buy the right air conditioner. Buying a bigger unit for a small home will not keep your home cooler. In fact, what you will end up with is a high energy bill and clammy home.
Looking for a professional HVAC technician to help you select the right AC unit? We at Allied AC and Heating can help. Contact us today!
