One of the most common mistakes that many Americans make when it comes to cooling their homes is choosing the wrong size for their air conditioners.
Let’s say you live in Arkansas where the weather is usually hovering between hot and warm. You would probably think that the bigger the air conditioning unit you have, the better and more efficient the cooling of a room is. This is not always the case, though.
Sherwood-based Kennedy Air Conditioning says getting a system that is far larger than necessary can lead to bigger expenses, and this does not just apply to your initial payment for the AC unit.
When Bigger Isn’t Better
The bigger an air conditioning unit is, the more expensive it is. This is primarily because the unit uses larger, more powerful components to ensure adequate cooling of your indoor space.
Installing a system that is too big means more air sucked in and dehumidified. This makes the air inside the room warmer and moist, as the system’s components are more powerful and work with more air.
Small and Probably Terrible
The converse is true for homes using air conditioners that are too small. When an air conditioner is too small for a room, it might not adequately produce cooled air. As the room will still feel warm, you’ll likely set the thermostat lower, making the unit work harder. This, in turn, leads to higher electricity bills.
Just the Right Size
The size of the AC should be based on the square footage of the room. Interior spaces measuring 100 to 300 square feet are best with a small air conditioner with good grades for comfort and quiet. Rooms measuring 250 to 400 square feet are best with a mid-sized air conditioner, while a 350 to 650 square feet space will need a large unit, especially if you have an open floor plan.
It is important to choose the correct size when buying a new air conditioner. Getting recommendations from air conditioning specialists can help you make the right decision and ensure proper installation of the system.
