How Does Size Affect the Performance of Your Home’s AC Unit?

One of the most common misconceptions among homeowners is that “bigger is better” when it comes to their AC unit. Having a massive air conditioning installation in Oklahoma City, OK doesn’t mean you’re going to cool your home quicker or for longer, however. In fact, the size of your unit by itself has nothing to do with how effectively it will work. What matters is how big your AC unit is in relation to your home!

Understanding the dynamic

AC units come in different sizes for a reason. Larger units are capable of handling a larger BTU capacity, which is often necessary in larger homes. Conversely, smaller units function more effectively on less power to provide smaller homes with cool air where a lower level of BTUs is involved.

The problem with the “bigger is better” mentality comes when a larger unit is servicing a smaller home. Sure, a massive unit might cool your home faster, but it does so at tremendous energy cost and at such a rate that it will cycle more frequently as air escapes your home, putting more stress on the mechanical parts of the unit. This leads to higher energy costs and fast unit burnout.

Finding the right size unit

Residential air conditioning in Oklahoma City, OK comes in several capacities: 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-ton units. These units have the ability to handle between 20,000 and 60,000 BTUs, which equates to between 1,200 and 3,600 square feet of living space. Finally, they operate in different breaker capacities—between 20 and 50 amps.

Finding the right AC unit based on your home size (in square footage) means picking a unit that operates at peak efficiency. For example, if you live in a 1,300-square foot home and invest in a proper 2-ton AC unit, it’ll mean that your home is equipped to deal with 20,000 BTUs at 20 amps efficiently. It represents the perfect medium of power usage and benefit, balancing out your comfort level and energy bill.

Of course, there’s also climate to factor in! The United States is separated into 5 zones, descending from north to south. The further north you live, the less capacity you need from your AC unit during peak summer months as compared to southern zones closer to the equator. Essentially, Minnesota summers aren’t as hot and humid as Florida summers, and therefore, an AC unit won’t have to work as hard.

Consult a professional

If you’re confused as to which size air conditioning installation in Oklahoma City, OK is right for your home, it’s best to consult a professional. An HVAC contractor will be able to give you a definitive answer about your ideal unit size with just a short inspection of your home.

Don’t risk investing in an AC unit that runs too frequently or at too high of an energy cost for your home. Contact the professionals at Dailey Heating & Air Conditioning today for insight into the ideal unit for your cooling needs. We look forward to assisting you!

Categorised in: AC Installation

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