At Air Services Unlimited, we know that Louisiana homeowners rely heavily on their air conditioning systems to stay cool and comfortable. But when it comes time for a new air conditioning installation, there’s one critical factor that many people overlook: size. No, we’re not talking about the physical dimensions of the unit—we’re talking about sizing, the process of determining the right cooling capacity for your specific home. Choosing the wrong size AC can lead to a whole host of problems, whether the unit is too big or too small.
Here’s why getting the size right is absolutely essential—and why you should always trust professionals to handle the job.
What Does AC Sizing Mean?
Air conditioner sizing refers to the system’s cooling capacity, typically measured in tons. This doesn’t refer to weight but to the amount of heat the system can remove from your home in an hour. For instance, a one-ton AC can remove 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour.
Determining the correct size isn’t guesswork or a quick calculation based on square footage. It involves performing a detailed Manual J Load Calculation, a process that takes into account a variety of factors including:
- Square footage of your home
- Insulation levels
- Window type and placement
- Home orientation
- Local climate conditions (especially important here in humid Louisiana!)
- Number of occupants
- Internal heat sources like appliances and lighting
Too Big Isn’t Too Better (It’s Actually Worse)
It might seem like choosing a more powerful unit would be the safer option—after all, more power means better performance, right? Not so fast. An oversized air conditioner will cool your home quickly, but that’s actually part of the problem.
These oversized units tend to short cycle, which means they turn on and off frequently. This not only puts extra strain on the system, causing premature wear and tear, but it also prevents the AC from running long enough to remove humidity from the air. In Louisiana, where humidity control is essential for indoor comfort, this can leave your home feeling cold and clammy.
Short cycling also increases energy consumption, leading to higher electricity bills without the benefit of improved comfort.
Too Small Means Struggles
An undersized AC system won’t be able to keep up with the cooling demands of your home, especially during the sweltering Louisiana summers. It will run continuously, trying in vain to reach the desired temperature. This overwork leads to higher energy bills, excessive wear on components, and ultimately, a shorter system lifespan. Plus, your comfort will always fall short.
Only Professionals Get It Right
At Air Services Unlimited, we’ve seen the consequences of improperly sized AC systems far too many times. That’s why we always start every installation with a comprehensive Manual J Load Calculation. This ensures that we recommend a system that fits your home perfectly, taking into account all the unique characteristics that affect cooling load.
Our licensed and experienced technicians don’t take shortcuts. We assess every variable to ensure your new AC system will:
- Deliver consistent comfort throughout your home
- Operate efficiently to keep utility bills in check
- Remove humidity effectively
- Enjoy a long, reliable lifespan
Trust Air Services Unlimited for Expert AC Installation in Louisiana
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, make sure you get the size right from the start. At Air Services Unlimited, we take pride in providing honest, accurate recommendations and high-quality installations backed by years of local experience.
Contact Air Services Unlimited—Exceeding Customer Expectations!