Does AC Sizing Really Matter in Sacramento, CA?

Read on to learn why AC sizing matters and how to find a correctly sized air conditioner for your house.

Buying a new air conditioner for your Sacramento, CA, home isn’t as simple as choosing your preferred model. Rather, you have to get the right size for your home, which is tricky if you don’t understand the process. Read on to learn why AC sizing matters and how to find a correctly sized air conditioner for your house.

AC Installation and Operational Costs

One of the first things you may consider is the installation cost associated with the AC system. Larger AC systems tend to cost more initially, creating a temptation to get something smaller. However, getting either an undersized or oversized system will end up costing you more in both energy and repairs.

Risks of Undersized AC Systems

A normal cooling cycle should last 10 to 15 minutes. An undersized air conditioner runs longer cooling cycles. As a result, it increases your energy consumption and cooling costs. It also strains the system, leading to more frequent AC repairs.

Risks of Oversized AC Systems

An oversized AC system may seem appealing because it has more cooling capacity. However, too much capacity makes the AC system run shorter cycles, making the system cycle more frequently.

The start of the cycle uses the most energy and creates the most strain on the air conditioner. Oversizing your AC system will drive up utility costs considerably, not to mention shortening its service life. What's more, your home isn’t likely to ever achieve a comfortable temperature.

Correct AC Sizing Makes a Difference

You can see just how critical it is to purchase a correctly sized AC system for your home. Finding the appropriate size considers several factors, including home size, construction and environment. A NATE-certified service technician receives training in the Manual J calculation, which they use to help determine the proper size.

Make sure your new air conditioner is the correctly size for your home. Call to schedule your AC sizing and installation consultation with Jaguar Heating & Air today.

Image provided by iStock

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