What’s the Right Size Air Conditioner for My House?
Posted by Sumant JHA
Air Conditioning
As outside temperatures rise and the sun forces its powerful rays into your home, your air conditioning unit becomes offers an escape from the heat. Maybe you didn’t know, but the size of your AC makes a big difference in how effectively it cools your home.
If your AC unit happens to be too small for your home, it will not cool it down to a comfortable level and will massively impact your energy bill. Knowing what type and size AC system you need is important to keep your home energy efficient and keep it comfortable all summer long.
Understanding BTU Outputs
If you’ve noticed that your air conditioning unit is not cooling your home very well, or you’ve begun looking around for a brand new system, it’s important to make sure it’s the best choice for your home. Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to know about AC unit specs.
What is BTU?
British Thermal Units, or BTUs, is the unit of measure used to calibrate heat energy. BTU is used to measure your AC unit’s cooling capacity. When air conditioning systems have a higher BTU rating, they have a higher cooling power.
Why are they used?
To make sure that your air conditioning unit has enough cooling power for your home or space, knowing the BTU will be critical. If a unit’s BTU is too low for a room, it won’t be able to cool down efficiently. This will result in using too much energy and wasting money.
However, if your AC unit’s BTU output is too high, it can overcool the room and cycle on and off, wasting energy.
How to Check Your AC’s BTU
There are a couple of ways that you can check your AC unit’s BTU rating. You can take a look at the manufacturer’s sticker, which is usually located on the side or back of the unit, call the manufacturer directly, or check the AC system’s owner’s manual.
Does One Size Fit All?
When it comes to AC units, there is no standard size to recommend. The air conditioner that is best for your space will be determined by the BTU rating, which depends on the square footage of the room. It is highly recommended to measure the square footage of the room before purchasing a new unit.
Types of Central Air Conditioners
Knowing a few different types of central air conditioners, complete with their own features and benefits, will help you to choose the correct one for you when you’re in the market for a new system. Here are four different types of air conditioning systems:
Packaged Air Conditioners – Packaged air conditioners combine the evaporator, compressor, and condenser into the same unit. Typically this model will be installed on a roof or outside the building on a concrete slab and are perfect for commercial buildings that don’t require high-volume air conditioning.
Split System Air Conditioners – Split system air conditioners cool a room with outdoor and indoor units working together. These units are ideal for homeowners because they have an easy installation process and are simple to use.
Central Air Conditioners with Heat Pumps – Central air conditioners with heat pumps provide cold and heat in one unit. They are the most energy efficient but have a more difficult installation process and cost more than other types of AC systems.
Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners – Ductless mini-split air conditioners, like a split system AC, this system uses indoor and outdoor units working together to cool the space, but they do not require ductwork and are more energy efficient. An ideal option for small areas.
Understanding Energy Efficiency Ratings
It’s also important to learn the energy efficiency rating of AC Systems. Just like BTUs, the higher the rating, the more energy efficient the unit will be. Air conditioning systems are rated with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) that ranges from 13 to 21. When the SEER is high, the more energy efficient the unit will be. This means a lower energy bill and a smaller environmental impact.
Purchase Considerations
An air conditioning system is an investment, and there are some key factors you should consider before making your purchase.
Price Range
Depending on the air conditioner’s features, type, and brand, there is a wide range of AC systems to choose from, and they vary in price. For example, a window AC will usually cost between $150 and $800, but a central air conditioning system can cost a few thousand dollars.
Financing
Financing your new AC system is a great way to manage the cost of a new unit. Some retailers and manufacturers will offer financing options.
Tax Credits
If you purchase an energy-efficient air conditioning unit, it’s possible that you may qualify for a tax credit. This is because the government offers tax credits if your AC system meets specific energy efficiency requirements.
Rebates
Rebates can help you save money on a new air conditioning system. Check with manufacturers or retailers prior to making your purchase to learn if rebates are offered.
Now that you’ve learned all about the basics of air conditioning systems, you are equipped to find the new AC system that works best for you. Contact us at Moore Home Services to get your new AC system!
