This post is brought to you by E.A.C. Heating & Air
Your air conditioning (AC) system uses about half of your household’s total energy expenditure. When you want a more energy-efficient household, start with the AC system. Choosing a new system isn’t as simple as getting the most innovative, eco-friendly model on the marketplace. First, you need to know what size of an AC unit your home requires. Learn ways you can choose the right AC unit for your home.
Complete a Professional Load Calculation
Many homeowners believe they can figure out what size AC unit they need simply by measuring the square footage of their home. While square footage plays a part in your AC size, it remains only the beginning of the equation. A load calculation measures how much cooling and heating a home needs.
When a contractor or HVAC professional determines your load calculation, that professional measures much more than square footage. Your contractor looks at your home’s insulation, the windows and doors, your flooring, and more. Using industry-standard mathematical formulas, your contractor will gather all of this information and produce an accurate load calculation for your home.
Avoid a DIY Load Calculation
You’ll find websites insisting that you can do a load calculation yourself. Don’t fall for this thinking: If you get the calculations wrong and buy an improper AC unit, you’ll waste money. That wasted money will not only be on the unit itself, but also on the energy used over the course of the unit’s life.
You also don’t want to buy the same sized system as your old AC unit. Your old unit may not have been the proper size. In addition, improvements you’ve made to your property will affect the load calculation.
Breathe Freely With Correct Unit Sizing
Image via Flickr by Matthew Paul Argall
Once you have your load calculation, your contractor will tell you what size you AC unit should be to adequately cool your home. Some people think that if they buy a bigger AC unit, they’ll get faster cooling, even on the hottest days.
Your AC unit not only cools your home, but it also dehumidifies and filters the air. When an AC system is too big, it doesn’t have time to dehumidify and filter the air adequately. As a result, you’re left with indoor air quality issues such as mold. Get an AC unit of the correct size to keep your indoor air quality at its best.
Look for AC Units With High SEER Ratings
To save the most money on energy, get an AC unit with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The EnergyStar symbol will tell you that you’re choosing an energy-efficient model. Consider variable speed motors, which save you more money by allowing your AC unit to run at partial capacity on cooler days. Round out your purchase with a smart thermostat so that you can monitor your energy usage and give yourself the most energy-efficient HVAC system your home can have.
Choosing the right AC unit for your home is a big decision. Choosing an incorrectly sized AC unit will impact your home’s energy bills and your home’s indoor comfort in the future, so install a correctly sized system for easier maintenance and better performance.
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