If you’re looking to install a new cooling system, it’s important to determine the appropriate size of the air conditioner for your house. An air conditioner that is too small may struggle to cool your home effectively, while one that is too large may consume excess energy and lead to inconsistent temperatures.

Air conditioners come in various sizes, and finding the right fit is critical for a long-lasting system and excellent comfort. In our latest blog post, Rusk Heating & Cooling shares what you need to know about air conditioner sizing.

How Are Air Conditioners Sized?

An air conditioner requires approximately 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot to effectively cool the home. BTU is the unit used to measure the cooling capacity of an air conditioner.

The most effective way to find the right size air conditioner for your home is to consult an HVAC professional. Different components that affect the size of an air conditioner include:

  • Square footage
  • Occupants
  • Number of levels to the home
  • Height of ceilings
  • The number of doors and windows
  • Insulation
  • Building materials

Working with a professional HVAC technician can help you determine what size AC you need for your home. Give Rusk a call today to learn more.

Why the Size of Your Air Conditioner Matters

Keeping your home cool and comfortable depends on finding an air conditioner that is properly sized for your home. If the new air conditioner isn’t the correct size, it will not be able to effectively cool the entire house.

Air conditioners that are too small can’t remove enough heat to keep rooms at an appropriate temperature. The AC unit may run continuously, leading to excessive wear and tear, increased energy consumption, and higher utility bills. Additionally, your home will feel warmer than it should, leading to reduced home comfort.

An air conditioner that’s too big, on the other hand, may cool the room too quickly, causing short cycling. This means that the AC system will turn on and off before a cycle will complete, not providing effective cooling. Short cycling can result in inconsistent temperatures, poor humidity control, and inefficient operation.

Not only does this waste energy, but it also puts unnecessary stress on the system, potentially leading to more frequent breakdowns and reduced lifespan.

What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need for My House?

When it comes to determining the size of the air conditioner you need for your house, it’s best to consult with HVAC professionals. They have the expertise and knowledge to conduct a thorough assessment of your home’s specific requirements.

A professional HVAC technician will consider factors such as the square footage of your home, the layout, insulation levels, the number of windows, local climate, and other variables. They will perform load calculations to accurately determine the cooling capacity required to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout your house.

Contact Rusk for AC Replacement in the Greater Cincinnati Area

AC installation is a job best left to the professionals. They’re backed by the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure a properly sized system and a successful installation.

Contact Rusk Heating & Cooling to have your new air conditioner sized right and receive a quote for air conditioning system installation in the Greater Cincinnati area.