Over the years, air conditioners have become a standard feature in most modern homes, especially those in warmer climates. But if you want to keep your indoor temperatures consistently comfortable, you’ll need to make sure the air conditioning installation is done correctly. One of your key considerations should be the size of the unit. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

A Guide to Choosing an Air Conditioning Unit for Your Home

How to Know the Right Size

Proper air conditioning installation begins with hiring a reliable HVAC contractor. To determine the ideal HVAC unit size, they’ll look at the variables that affect operating performance, including square footage of your house, local climate, and the number of occupants and heat-generating appliances inside your home. They will also factor in the design of the interiors, such as the windows and their location, sun exposure, and existing insulation and ductwork, for a more accurate computation of cooling requirements.    

What Energy Efficiency & Cooling Capacity Mean

During an air conditioning installation, your contractor will use British Thermal Units (BTUs) to determine the cooling requirements of an area. A unit’s cooling capacity is measured in BTU per hour (BTUh), which stands for the amount of heat it can remove in an hour. Keep in mind that larger areas have higher amounts of heat circulating inside, and thus require a larger unit.

Another critical figure to familiarize yourself with is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This is a measure of how energy-efficient a cooling system is — the higher the rating, the more efficient it is. By definition, a unit’s cooling capacity in BTUs for a season is divided by total energy use for the same period. Even if both units have equal BTUs, the one with a higher SEER consumes less energy.

Why the Correct Size Matters

Air conditioners aim to make your space feel comfortable during hot, humid summers. Since they can consume significant amounts of electricity, it’s vital to choose an appropriately sized unit for better energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and improved interior conditions. Although bigger units can cool your interiors faster, they also use up more energy and cause uneven room temperatures. Some areas may feel cool but are more humid than others because of remaining moisture in the air. In contrast, under-sized units will have to work overtime to maintain the temperature of a larger space, which can cause premature failure and higher energy bills in the process.

For expert air conditioning installation, count on the team of technicians at Kendall’s Heating & Air. As the premier air conditioning contractor in Hiawassee, GA, they offer an extensive range of outstanding services, from installation to HVAC repairs. They’ll work one-on-one with you to find a solution that meets your household’s needs and budget, so your family can stay comfortable all year long. Call (706) 896-0830 to request an estimate, or visit their website to browse more of their services.