The Importance of Installing the Right Size AC Unit for Your Home
Why does the size of the AC unit that you install in your home matter? As long as it gets the job done, why does size make a difference? The real problem is how hard that the AC unit has to work to cool your entire home. If it’s too small, the system will work overtime to do the job that a bigger AC unit could do in half the time.
In the end, a smaller unit will cost you more money on electricity because it has to run so often. To make matters worse, an AC unit that’s too small will likely leave you with an uneven cooling job. This means that certain areas of your home will be cooler than others.
What to Look for When You Buy an AC Unit
When you purchase a new AC unit, there are many factors to consider. However, the most important ones are the SEER rating and maximum square footage that it can cool. SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency ratio,” which is a measurement of the unit’s ability to cool over a typical cooling season. Then, that’s divided by the unit’s energy consumption.
When you compare SEER ratings, the higher number is better. For example, a unit with a SEER of 14 is less efficient than a unit that has a SEER of 24. With that said, there are other factors to take into account when you choose an AC unit for your home. A professional HVAC company can provide knowledgeable assistance.
Signs Your AC Unit Is Too Small for Your Home
The first and most common sign that your AC unit is too small for your house is when it runs all the time. It’s not normal for an AC unit to always be blowing out cool air. If it does, then it’s struggling to cool the square footage of your home.
When you pick out an AC unit, pay attention to the BTUs, which are British thermal units. Experts say that an AC system needs at least 12,000 BTUs to remove 1 ton of heat. The bigger that your house is, the more heat that it retains. As a result, a large home needs an AC system with a high number of BTUs.
Do your air vents have low airflow coming out of them? This might simply be a sign of a dirty HVAC system filter. However, it might also be a sign that your AC unit isn’t strong enough to push air evenly throughout your home. If this is a problem, you might notice that your rooms aren’t cooled evenly.
Lastly, keep an eye out for high energy bills. If you notice a huge increase in your energy bill every time you turn on the AC, that’s a sign that it’s running too often. Although, it might also be a sign that your AC system is old and no longer energy efficient. In either case, it’s time to upgrade.
Get the Right Size AC System for Your Home
Don’t let a small AC unit cause your electricity bill to skyrocket. Let RR Electric, Heating & Air help you install the right size AC system before the hot summer hits. Call us today at 805-900-0123 to upgrade your AC unit or schedule maintenance or repair services.
