Is your air conditioner the right size for your home? Is it inspected by a professional every year? The choices you make about your AC can significantly affect your home’s comfort and energy use during the heat of summer. We’ve put together a few tips to consider when it’s time to upgrade your cooling system.
Pick the Right AC System
Many homeowners – and some inexperienced HVAC companies – make the mistake of thinking a bigger air conditioner will cool a home better. Wrong! Size matters when it comes to cooling. An air conditioner that is too big for a space will cycle more often, but turn off before the unit has had a chance to remove all of the hot air from the room. As a result, you’ll be living in an uncomfortable, sticky indoor environment, and pay more in monthly utilities.
The same can be said of an air conditioning system that is too small. In this scenario, the unit was not built to cool the size of the living space. Air conditioners that are too small will run constantly, putting excessive strain on the system. Too big or too small, an air conditioner that has not been properly sized is costly and will also be more susceptible to breakdowns.
Use BTUs to Estimate Air Conditioner Size
HVAC professionals use BTUs to estimate AC sizing. A BTU or British Thermal Unit is a measurement unit used to show how much energy per one hour an AC system will need to cool a space. On average, a good air conditioner uses 20 BTUs per square foot. So do the math: Multiply the square footage of a room or home by 20. For example, a 1,000 square foot apartment x 20 BTUs = 20,000 BTUs.
But that’s not all. Many variables can affect the air conditioner’s ability to keep your home cool, not just square footage. So when it’s time for a replacement, contact the experts at Plumber Experts - HVAC Services - Heating & Boiler Specialists for AC installation in all of Nassau County, Queens, The Rockaway Peninsula & the surrounding areas. Our NATE Certified will help you find the right system for your home.
Schedule Professional Air Conditioning Service
Like any major mechanical system, your air conditioning equipment should be serviced regularly to ensure optimal performance and safety. Preventative maintenance can identify hazards before they become expensive repairs, or worse, complete system failures. At Plumber Experts - HVAC Services - Heating & Boiler Specialists, we recommend scheduling a yearly inspection with a certified AC technician (and we offer affordable Residential Service Agreements). Call (516) 360-2989 now to get started.
Reduce Energy Use With these 3 Tips
A new air conditioner has been installed, and maintenance has been scheduled, now what? Try these three practices to reduce energy waste and strain on your air conditioner:
- A lower temperature doesn’t cool the room faster. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees in summer.
- Use other appliances less often – if at all – when the AC is on.
- Keep window shades and blinds closed if the window faces east or west.
