Why AC Sizing Matters

When an air conditioner is the right size, it operates efficiently and effectively. Conversely, ACs that are oversized consume excessive energy while operating and cause problems like insufficient cooling, frequent on-off cycling, and increased wear and tear on the system.

To correctly determine the proper air conditioning unit size, hire a licensed contractor to perform a Manual J calculation. This calculation will take into account factors such as square footage, number of people living in the home, and ceiling height.

1. Increased Energy Efficiency

A common misconception is that a bigger AC system will cool a home more effectively than a smaller one. However, this simply isn’t the case.

An oversized air conditioner will use more energy, cool the space faster, but not remove humidity adequately. This results in frequent short-run cycles and excessive energy waste.

Many factors are involved in determining the right size of an AC unit. This includes the number of rooms that need to be cooled, the size and layout of each room, your home’s insulation, and climate.

The most accurate way to determine the BTU capacity needed for your home is through a professional cooling load calculation. A licensed technician will take all these variables into account to help you select the best AC for your needs.

2. Less Frequent Cycling

One of the main reasons a new AC system fails is because it’s too big for a home. This results in short cycling, which means the unit shuts off before completing a cooling cycle. This leads to higher electricity bills, temperature fluctuations, and premature wear and tear on the equipment.

Reputable contractors will perform an in-home load calculation to determine the correct AC size. They can use a variety of factors, including square footage, to ensure the home is adequately cooled. Many contractors will use rules of thumb when sizing an air conditioner, however, which can result in over- or under-sizing for a homeowner. Neither scenario is ideal. A correctly sized AC can provide optimal efficiency and comfort, lower energy bills, and increase the lifespan of the equipment.

3. Increased Equipment Lifespan

The wrong-sized air conditioner will waste energy by running nonstop trying to cool your home, leading to high cooling costs. It can also cause your system to wear out faster due to excessive stress on overworked components.

It’s a common myth that a larger AC is better. However, this is not true. An AC must be able to do two things: 1) provide cooler air and 2) reduce humidity through condensation.

Professionally performing a Manual J load calculation will ensure your air conditioner is sized correctly to accomplish these tasks. This results in lower cooling costs, less frequent cycling and a longer equipment lifespan. It can even increase comfort levels through better humidity control and energy savings. It’s worth it for your Redlands or Inland Empire area home!

4. Less Frequent Repairs

The air conditioning system in your home is responsible for two tasks: cooling the house and removing excess humidity. When the AC is not properly sized, it cannot complete these jobs, and you may face energy waste or extreme stress on components that shorten their lifespans.

A common myth is that a bigger AC will accomplish both tasks more effectively than a smaller one, so some homeowners opt for the largest unit available. However, this “rule of thumb” is wildly inaccurate and can end up costing you in utility bills and lost efficiency.

A professional should visit your home to perform a Manual J load calculation for accurate sizing. The only way to know what size of an AC you need is with a detailed assessment that takes multiple factors into consideration.

5. Increased Comfort

There is a common myth that selecting the biggest air conditioner possible is the best way to ensure optimum performance. However, the truth is that an AC is only as effective as the space it is designed to cool. A reputable HVAC contractor will use advanced technical tools to perform an accurate Manual J calculation to determine the exact AC size you need for your home.

A unit that is undersized will run sub-optimally with either long or short cycles, wasting energy and creating excessive wear. On the other hand, an oversized AC will not provide adequate cooling power, leading to higher electricity bills and premature equipment failure due to excessive stress on various components. A professional AC load calculation will eliminate these issues and help you save money in the long run.