In the heat of the summer, it’s easy to assume that bigger is better when it comes to air conditioning (AC) systems. Obviously, if users have an air conditioner that’s too small in the Canoga Park home, users will not be able to keep the temperatures consistently low even if the unit is running constantly.
However, if the air conditioner is too large for the home, it will quickly cool down the space and shut off. Once the temperature rises, it will kick back on again. This constant on and off cycling, referred to as short cycling, uses a great deal of energy and wears down the air conditioning system more quickly.
Air conditioning system
Air conditioner loads must be calculated carefully, so users can match the unit to the cooling needs. The professionals at Tassio Temperature Control would be happy to help users select the best-sized air conditioner for the particular California home. In the meantime, here is a peak into how the trained experts calculate air conditioning needs.
In the meantime, here is a peak into how the trained experts calculate air conditioning needs
In order to understand how to size an air conditioning unit, users have to know a little bit about how capacity is measured. Air conditioning systems are measured by tons, which specifies how much a particular unit can cool. For example, a one ton air conditioner can generate 12,000 BTUs. A BTU is a British Thermal Unit, and one BTU is the energy needed to cool one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit every hour.
Air Conditioner Sizes
The smallest air conditioner is 1.5 tons or 18,000 BTUs and they can increase in size up to 5 tons or 60,000 BTUs by increments of one-half ton or 6,000 BTUs.
For a rough calculation to select an air conditioner for the home, users can take the total square footage, multiply it by 25, divide it by 12,000, and subtract .5. Of course, the Tassio Temperature Control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals use the complex Manual J load calculation to properly size HVAC systems. This rough calculation cited here will only provide a ballpark figure that should never be used to purchase a system on its own. There are other important elements that factor in to the calculations.
Other Important Factors
Before ordering that new air conditioner based on the simple math equation, users need to realize there are many other factors that should be considered before making a final decision:
- Ceiling height. Not all homes have standard ceiling heights. If users have a vaulted ceiling, loft area, or open floor plan, they may need to calculate the volume of the home, not only the square footage. High ceilings will require a larger air conditioner.
- House style. Two homes that have the same square footage may require different-sized air conditioning systems. A single-story sprawling ranch home requires more cooling power than a three-story townhouse.
- Local climate. If the home is located in a hot, humid location, users will need a different-sized air conditioner than if users live in a milder, dry climate. Temperature and humidity play a significant role in how much cooling and dehumidifying users will need the air conditioner to do.
- Size, type, and number of windows. Windows tend to leak energy out of the home more easily than solid walls. Users must take into consideration the size and number of windows as well as how well they are sealed and their energy ratings.
- Insulation. In a similar way, a better-insulated home requires less cooling energy than a poorly insulated one. If users are building or doing a major remodel, it may be a good decision to increase insulation before selecting the new air conditioning system.
- Other factors. Even considerations like the existing ductwork, type of window coverings, and number of residents and how often they are home can affect the load requirements of the air conditioner.