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Posted: May 6, 2024

Finding the Right Fit

central air Wyalusing, PA When it comes to keeping your Eastern Pennsylvania home comfortable during the scorching summer months, few things are as vital as your central air conditioning unit. But selecting the right size for your home is not a decision to take lightly. An improperly sized unit can lead to inefficiency, discomfort, and unnecessary expenses. So, how do you determine what size central air unit your home needs? Let’s dive in.

Understanding the Basics

Central air conditioning units are measured in tons. However, this measurement doesn’t refer to weight but rather to the amount of heat they can remove from a home in an hour. One ton is equal to 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of cooling power per hour. Determining the appropriate tonnage for your home involves considering various factors, including the square footage, insulation, climate, and the layout of your house.

Assessing Your Home’s Size

The square footage of your home is the primary factor in determining the size of the central air conditioning unit you need. However, it’s crucial to remember that bigger isn’t always better. An oversized unit will cycle on and off more frequently, leading to higher energy bills, uneven cooling, and increased wear and tear on the system. On the other hand, an undersized unit will struggle to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, running constantly and ultimately failing prematurely.

Calculating the Load

To accurately size your central air conditioning unit, you’ll need to calculate the cooling load of your home. This involves considering factors such as the climate here in Eastern Pennsylvania, the orientation of your home, the number and size of your windows, the amount of insulation your home has, and the number of heat-generating appliances in your home. While this process can be complex, the HVAC professionals at Ace-Robbins use industry-standard calculations to ensure accuracy.

Seeking Professional Guidance

While online calculators and sizing charts can provide a rough estimate, nothing beats the expertise of a qualified HVAC technician from Ace-Robbins. Our professionals can conduct a thorough assessment of your home’s cooling needs, taking into account all relevant factors to recommend the ideal size and efficiency rating for your central air unit.

Factors to Consider

Aside from square footage, several other factors can influence the size of the central air unit you need:

  1. Climate: Homes in warmer climates will require larger units to combat the higher temperatures and humidity levels.
  2. Insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air more effectively, reducing the size of the unit needed.
  3. Layout: Homes with open floor plans may require a larger unit to ensure consistent cooling throughout the space.
  4. Windows: Large windows, especially those facing south or west, can increase the cooling load and necessitate a larger unit.
  5. Heat-generating appliances: The presence of appliances such as ovens, clothes dryers, and refrigerators can contribute to the cooling load and affect the size of the unit required by your home.

Investing in Efficiency

In addition to size, consider the energy efficiency of your central air conditioning unit. Opting for a high-efficiency model can lower your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and qualify you for rebates or tax incentives. Look for units with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, which indicates their efficiency over the course of a typical cooling season.

When it comes to selling and installing central air conditioning systems, Ace-Robbins only recommends high-efficiency and quality-made systems from trusted manufacturers.

Conclusion

Selecting the right size central air unit for your home is a critical decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. By assessing your home’s size, cooling load, and other relevant factors, and seeking guidance from the qualified HVAC professionals at Ace-Robbins, you can ensure optimal comfort, efficiency, and longevity for your cooling system.

You Can Count on Ace-Robbins

You can count on Ace-Robbins to keep you cool all summer with our full range of cooling services for central air conditioning systems and ductless mini-split units. We offer affordable rates for installation, repair, and service in Montrose, Scranton, Towanda, and the surrounding towns.

Contact Ace-Robbins today to learn more.