An AC system that doesn’t cool your home properly can be extremely frustrating, especially if you live in the Midwest where summer weather is hot and humid. In many cases, hot spots, stale air pockets and uneven indoor temperatures are caused by an improperly sized central air conditioner.
Understanding the AC System Sizing Process
Professional HVAC contractors always run a full set of load calculations as part of the air conditioning system installation process. At Assurance Heating and Air Conditioning, we design every AC system to comply with ACCA Manual J, which is the industry standard for AC sizing and capacity applications. Manual J calculations measure the efficiency of a variety of building components and materials.
- Perimeter Tightness
- Insulation R-Values
- Local Weather Patterns
- K-Value for Windows and Doors
- Building Orientation
- Total Duct Leakage
- Occupancy Rates
Why Proper AC Equipment Sizing is so Important
Unfortunately, obsolete AC equipment sizing methods are still used by some contractors. If your system is oversized, it will turn on and off too often, which is a condition called short cycling. Oversized systems are more expensive to install, and occupants often complain of feeling uncomfortable almost immediately after the unit shuts off. Utility costs are higher, humidity control is compromised and the accelerated starting cycles add additional wear to vital components.
Undersized systems lack the capacity to meet the prevailing cooling load in severe summer weather. This means you may never be comfortable at any thermostat setting. The equipment will run constantly, which can lead to repeated breakdowns and premature failure.
Always Hire a Qualified HVAC System Designer
A properly sized air conditioning system will deliver the exact amount of conditioned air needed to keep your family comfortable, regardless of the temperature outside. To learn more about AC equipment sizing, call the pros at Assurance Heating and Air Conditioning today at 847-388-0316.