The Best AC Unit for Your Home
What is the best A/C unit for your home?, Homeowners should be informed especially when dealing with the rising temperatures of a hot and humid Midwest summer. While trying to fend off sweltering heat, many people believe they need an equally large A/C to provide cool relief. But unlike shopping for other items, finding the biggest air conditioner on the market doesn’t mean it’s the best option for every home. There are many pertinent options to consider before purchasing a new residential air conditioner — price, manufacturer, etc. — but when it comes to size, here are the reasons it’s better to stick to a system that fits an individual home just right.
A Comfortable Fit
Air conditioners should be sized to fit a home based on the home’s heating and cooling capacity. Measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), each home has a specific range in heating and cooling capacity that is determined based on the home’s size, insulation, number of residents, sun exposure, and climate. Figuring out a home’s BTUs allows homeowners to more accurately compare their needs with the ratings of available air conditioners. A/C units are measured slightly differently, in tons, where 1 ton = ~12,000 BTUs.
So, for example, let’s see what an average home in the Midwest would require. Assuming an average home for a family of four has 1,500 sq. ft., 10-ft high ceilings, with 4 occupants, and average insulation and sun exposure, this home would require 34,500 BTUs or roughly 2.9 tons. This means an air conditioner rated at 3.0 tons would be the ideal fit for this size, space, and climate.
Cooling Issues from an Oversized A/C
When an air conditioner is too large, it is unable to properly regulate the amount of cooling needed to circulate throughout a home. This leads to uneven temperature distribution, noticeable when certain rooms are much warmer than others.
Additionally, because the unit is not properly sized, the A/C will stop its cycle short as it rapidly pumps cool air into the home, but due to the cycle stopping quickly, the air isn’t able to properly disperse throughout the home. The unit will then need to cycle again shortly afterward, trying to keep up with the temperature imbalance, while using an increased amount of electricity to do so. Not only will this make it seem like the A/C is constantly running, but it will leave a dent in homeowners’ electricity bills.
This short-cycling also causes the unit to work harder than is necessary, introducing more wear and tear on the internal A/C components. This will wear down the unit faster over time, reducing its overall lifespan, and could potentially lead to the unit overheating in the short team, leading to a very uncomfortable home and a costly repair bill.
Properly sizing a home’s air conditioner helps save money and ensures a comfortable, evenly cooled atmosphere throughout a home. For homeowners looking for help sizing, installing, and maintaining their home’s A/C units, reach out to the licensed experts at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling. Providing quality service for over 30 years, the licensed technicians at Duane Blanton will be able to inspect, diagnose, and repair any issue that may arise with your home’s furnace. Give the professionals at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling a call today, at (815) 781-2567, or schedule online using their convenient online scheduling portal.
Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling is proud to be a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, offering top-quality heating and cooling options to fit the specific needs of Duane Blanton customers. The quality, comfort, and efficiency of Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems’ products naturally aligns with Duane Blanton’s drive to provide an exceptional customer service experience. Ask a Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling expert today about the advantages of upgrading to a new Bryant Heating & Cooling system for your home!
