Staying cool in the stifling Australian heat can be difficult if your home doesn’t have the right size of air conditioner. The size of air conditioner you need depends on a few factors. Your choice when buying a new air conditioner is just as important as well.
This post will explain the effects of an inefficient air conditioner and how to determine what size you need. Whether you need a bigger or smaller unit, the size matters.
If you live in the Blue Mountains area, Altitude Air Solutions is available to help with all your air conditioning concerns. Don’t spend another day suffering in the heat. Fill out our contact form to get a free quote from our experts.
9 Factors in Determining What Size Air Conditioner You Need
You may think the price is the key factor when choosing an air conditioner. That is partially true, but the crucial component is choosing the proper size air conditioner.
Your home determines what size air conditioner you need in many ways other than size. To determine what size of air conditioner for the home you need, there are many factors to consider.
1. Size of Your Space
If you need to cool a small space, it makes sense to get a smaller unit. A larger space, needs a larger unit. Calculate the area of the space you need to cool, then multiply that area by 150 (watts) if your ceilings are 2.4 metres high. For higher 3-metre ceilings, multiply by 175. Take this number and move the decimal three places to the left to get the number of kilowatts your new AC needs to output. A commercial air conditioning solution will be much different than a home air conditioning unit.
If the size of the unit doesn’t match the size of the space, you run the risk of compromising the cooling capacity and energy efficiency of the unit. Of course, use this as a guide. If you’re unsure, give us a call to find out more.
2. Local Weather Patterns
When you live in an area that sustains extreme heat for many months of the year, you should invest in a high-quality air conditioner. An air conditioner that can’t withstand steady heat will fail to cool your home. On the contrary, using your air conditioner in winter should be considered.
3. Insulation
If your home is well insulated, it will retain your desired temperature more easily. Insulation boosts the efficiency of your air conditioner, but it can lose effectiveness over time.
If you experience temperature inconsistencies, your insulation could be a factor.
4. Window Orientation
The direction of your windows affects the internal temperature of your home. Constant sunlight shining into the windows causes your air conditioner to work overtime to lower the temperature.
5. Lighting
Light bulbs that get hot while they are on factor into your home’s temperature. Skylights are a nice lighting option, but they allow an influx of harsh sunlight. Use light bulbs that do not generate heat, and invest in a shade for your skylight to help your air conditioner work optimally.
6. Roof Type
The style of your roof affects the amount of heat that infiltrates your home. When your roof is in good condition, it will keep heat out as temperatures climb. When your air conditioner doesn’t have to battle with heat from the roof, it will achieve the desired temperature more easily.
7. Number of People in the Home
This one is easy to miss, but the number of people who need to enjoy the result of an appropriately sized air conditioner affects what size you need. The more people in the room, the more body heat they generate. A temperature that is comfortable for one or two people will not be comfortable for five or six people.
8. Air Quality
An appropriately sized air conditioning unit removes contaminants from the air, like dust, mould, and other allergens. When the size of the unit does not appropriately match your space, either over- or under-sized, the cooling cycle will not filter the air as well as it should, leading to poor air quality. There are health benefits to air conditioning as well as reasons why air conditioning maintenance matters.
9. Condition of Your Ductwork
For your air conditioner to work optimally, the ductwork in your home should stay free from obstruction. If debris is clogging your vents, your home will not reach the desired temperature. A yearly inspection of your ductwork will identify any damage and keep the ductwork in working order. If you notice any leaking in your air conditioner, give us a call.
What Happens When Your Air Conditioner Is Too Small?
When you install an air conditioning unit that is too small for your home, you will suffer consequences in a few areas. You may be happy with the smaller installation cost, but problems lurking just around the corner could negate the minimal upfront cost.
The first sign that your air conditioner unit is too small will show up in your energy bills. In order to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home, the unit will work overtime. Your electricity bill will skyrocket due to energy overconsumption from the unit.
Another sign that your air conditioner is too small will come in repair bills. When your air conditioner runs over time, it will wear out quickly. It will sustain damage and possibly need replacement sooner than a larger unit would. Multiple repair costs add up quickly.
Ultimately, saving money by installing a smaller air conditioning unit will cost you more in repair and replacement costs.
What Happens When Your Air Conditioner Is Too Big?
When the size of the air conditioner is too big, it can have harsher consequences than an air conditioner that is too small.
A large air conditioning unit will cool your space very quickly. That may sound like a good thing, but it results in a problem called short cycling.
In the short-cycle process, your air conditioner switches on, cools the room, and switches off again. It continues to short cycle all day. The constant on-and-off operation wastes a lot of electricity. The constant operation of a large air conditioning unit causes the motor and other components to wear out quickly.
Short cycling does not allow your air conditioner to fully dehumidify the air in your home. When moisture content grows, so does the humidity level inside your home. Hot, humid conditions create the perfect climate for a mould infestation to develop in your unit and within your home.
Choosing the right size unit for your space could save you money in repairs and even mould eradication measures.
How a Professional Determines AC Size
The best way to determine what size of air conditioner is most appropriate for your home is by calling a professional. They will provide a detailed analysis of your home’s needs so you aren’t left scratching your head while trying to do the math yourself.
During the analysis, they will consider all the factors listed above. A professional has in-depth knowledge of air conditioning systems and can advise you on what size will be the most cost-effective for the size of your home.
While the technician is in your home, they will calculate the square footage of the space and the height of each room. These numbers are key in determining the number of watts you need in an air conditioner.
Expert Air Conditioner Service in the Blue Mountains
At Altitude Air Solutions, we offer repair and installation of any size of air conditioner in the Blue Mountains area. Our work comes with a five-year warranty. As a locally owned and operated company, we do reliable work and have fast response times.
To get a quote from our team of experts, call 02 4753 1012. Our team is detail-oriented, trustworthy, and punctual.