Choosing the Right Sized Air Conditioner for Your Home

June 01, 2021

As much as they have become the norm for homeowners, we can still try to limit the extent of your AC hardship. If you find your system frequently gives you headaches, there might be a not-so-obvious cause to all your problems.

As a homeowner, you already deal with a lot. The Mohr team can help you take on your air conditioning woes so you can get back to the comfort of your home sooner. Today, we’ll walk you through why the correct sized air conditioner unit can make a world of difference for your indoor environment.

What Does the “Right Size” Mean?

It’s a common misconception that the bigger your AC is, the better it will perform. In fact, if you want your air conditioner to keep your home perfectly cool all summer long, the best kind of AC system is one that fits the size of your home. You wouldn’t want the same system as a commercial property has, for instance, since that would end up costing you energy that isn't effectively cooling your home.

Plus, a poorly sized air conditioner can lead to several issues, whether it’s too big or small. If you are currently putting up with the following, it’s time to check the size of your system:

• High Humidity Levels: Ideal indoor humidity levels should be between 30% and 50%. Levels that are too high will make you feel like you’ve moved into a swamp. Your AC acts as a dehumidifier during the spring and summer. When your system is too small to handle your spaces, chances are the humidity levels will start to rise.
• Frequent Cycles: Short cycling is another sure-fire way to drain your wallet. This issue usually arises when an air conditioner is too large for the space it’s in. Instead of running regular cycles to reach the set temperature, the system cycles on and off rapidly.
• Increased Wear & Tear: With the excessive cycling and strained cooling process, it’s no surprise the stress your system will experience will degrade its capabilities over time. If your system is too small, it will likely run constantly to keep your home cool, which will lead to premature breakdowns.

These problems are reason enough to get your unit checked by a specialist. Still, the spike in your energy bill might also be sufficient evidence for an expert inspection.

How to Choose the Right Size System for Your Needs

The weight and dimensions of your air conditioner are not what we mean by size. The capacity is the most important aspect of fitting your home with the correct size AC unit. Measured in BTUs, the cooling capacity of each system varies.

For example, 1500 – 2000 square feet of space requires a system that operates with 52,000 – 70,000 BTUs. Typically, you can find the appropriate capacity by multiplying your square footage by 35. Other factors influence the size of your unit as well, like the following:

• The number and position of the windows in your home
• Daily foot traffic in each room
• Where the system will be installed
• The type of unit you’re installing (central or portable)

When in doubt, call in the pros. A Mohr expert can quickly inspect your space and determine your perfect fit. A better cooling experience is just a call away!