Why You Need the Right Size AC Unit

You might think that choosing a new AC unit is as easy as pie (er, porridge?) when an HVAC contractor tells you their size suggestion, but getting a correctly sized AC unit is not as easy as it may seem- HVAC contractors will frequently take shortcuts by trying to use “rules of thumb”, or calculations based on limited information like the square footage of your home, which very often force you, the homeowner, to end up with an incorrectly sized unit. 

Most units sized wrong end up being too large for the home, but units that are too small happen too. People (sometimes even HVAC contractors!) can often make the assumption that “bigger is better”, meaning a larger unit will be more efficient and save more energy, but this is far from the truth. Whether it’s too big or too small, an AC unit that’s the wrong size wastes energy and raises your bills.

Too big, too small, or just right… Looking at AC units can have you feeling a bit like Goldilocks. And if you have the wrong size AC unit, the sight of your frightening electricity bills might just get you to run screaming. 


What can happen when your AC is not sized correctly:

TOO BIG:
• Shortened lifespan
• Cycles on/off more frequently than right size unit
• Can cause humidity indoors –  which can lead to mold!!
• More expensive to buy, maintain, and use
• Large temperature swings

TOO SMALL:
• Continuously runs
• Possibly not enough to fully cool house
• Warmer indoor temps overall
• Often overworked system

PROBLEMS OF BOTH:
• Longer run times
• Higher electricity costs
• Higher maintenance costs
• Excess noise
• Higher chance of system breaking

Before installing any new AC Units, you should be absolutely sure that your HVAC contractor did their calculations with a Manual J Load calculation.

​At Green ID, our job is to make sure your AC unit is up to par. With our help, your air conditioning could feel juuust right. Call us today at (602) 926-1650.

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