It is imperative to understand what size HVAC system is appropriate for your home. Having one too small or too big can negatively affect your comfort level. Systems that are too small can lead to hotspots or uneven temperatures; the unit may struggle to reach the desired temperature throughout all rooms of the house. On the other hand, when an air conditioner is too big, the desired temperature will be reached but at a rapid pace; this can cause the unit to depreciate faster as it frequently repeats the cooling process. It can also cause your home to have higher humidity levels as this shorter run frequency does not allow enough time for the system to dehumidify properly. However, there is a straightforward process to determine what size AC unit is best for your home.
To begin, you should consider what style of unit you desire. The most common units purchased today are central air conditioners and of course mini-split air conditioners. Along with the style, decide what brand of AC unit to choose for your home. For example, some favorable brands include systems from American Standard, Honeywell, Daikin, and Goodman, but there are many other suitable brands for long-lasting air conditioners. Once you settle on the style of HVAC system you prefer, then you must consider the SEER and BTUh ratings your system will need.
A SEER rating measures how much energy a system uses in cooling a space; the higher the rating, the lower the amount of energy it needs to use. It is important to note that typically good SEER ratings fall between 14-16; however, some units can go up to level 22. Additionally, air conditioners also use BTUh measurements to determine how much energy they use to remove heat from indoors to outdoors per hour. Knowing the desired SEER rating you want and the estimated BTUh your home needs will set you on the right track in selecting the appropriate size AC unit.
~Nevaonna Alfred