Before installing a new air conditioning unit or replacing your old one, there are many factors you should take into consideration. And, regardless of the type of AC you want to install, a central or window one, one of the most crucial things is choosing the right size for the space you need to cool. Size matters, be sure!
There are some opinions that bigger is always better. These are based on operation of older AC units, which were big and could lower the temperature in not more than 15 minutes. However, they used a lot of energy which wasn’t a big issue as electricity was much cheaper then nowadays. Modern AC systems are more energy efficient, operate in cycles and cool your spaces more steadily.
Bigger air conditioners will cool your houses quickly, shut off, enabling heat to infiltrate again soon, and then turn on again. This on-off operation will drive up your electricity bills and this is something you are definitely planning to avoid. Moreover, this cycle will put much more tear and wear on your units which means that you will spend more money on air conditioning services, maintenance and repairs. Also, when the cooling cycle is too short, AC does not have enough time to remove all humidity needed, leaving your rooms a bit dumpy.
On the other hand, air conditioners which are too small will run constantly, having a hard time to reach your desired temperature. While they are too small to cool your houses rapidly, their constant operation will also run up your energy costs.
Choosing the right size central air conditioning system for your house is challenging as you need to take into account the size of the area you want to cool, the layout of the rooms, your house’s insulation as well as the climate. Installing a central AC system is a great investment and you need to make the right decision. This is why we highly recommend that you hire an experienced professional who will take exact measurements and weigh up all the factors needed.
Window air conditioners are usually used for cooling one or two rooms only and this is why it is much easier to size them. The only factor that you should consider is the square footage of the space you want to cool. If, however, you are still uncertain, do not hesitate to seek advice from a professional AC contractor who will be able to provide you with all the pros and cons of each size you have doubts about as well as any air conditioning service required.