Why Proper Size Matters When Buying a New HVAC System

When homeowners begin to consider new central air conditioning systems, they often think the bigger the unit, the more efficiently it will cool a home. The opposite is true. When buying a system, make sure that your contractor properly sizes your Indio, CA, home. Below are some reasons why proper HVAC sizing matters for your home.

What Is HVAC Sizing?

Professional contractors use a calculation called the Manual J method to determine the proper size of the central air conditioning system for your home. This method uses not only the amount of square footage in your home but also other factors such as the number of people living there, the number of windows and doors, your home’s orientation toward the sun, the amount of insulation and similar factors. with these measurements in hand, your contractor can determine how many BTUs and the best SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for your needs.

Why Is SEER Important?

SEER measures heating and cooling efficiency. Chances are, if you have a unit that is 10 years or older, it may have a rating of only 10 SEER. The best central air conditioners today have a minimum SEER rating of 13 and a maximum of 21. SEER works in conjunction with BTUs (British Thermal Units), which measures the power put forth to determine cooling capacity.

Why Sizing Matters

In a word, improper sizing leads to inefficiency. If an installed air conditioner is too big or too small, it can lead to warm or cold spots in your home, thereby affecting overall comfort. It can also lead to short cycling, where the unit turns on and off frequently, which in turn, leads to higher energy bills.

All Knight Heating & Air Conditioning has trained technicians who will properly size your home for the selection of a new HVAC unit. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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