As an HVAC expert, I have seen firsthand the consequences of improperly sized air conditioning units. Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that bigger is always better when it comes to cooling their homes. However, this is not always the case. In fact, choosing an air conditioner that is too large for your home can lead to a host of problems and inefficiencies. When it comes to cooling smaller houses, the recommended capacity is typically 2.5 tons for homes between 1,201 and 1,500 square feet, and 3 tons for homes between 1,501 and 1,800 square feet.
For larger homes around 2,000 square feet, a 3.5 ton unit is usually the best option. However, when we start looking at homes that are 3,000 square feet or more, we need to consider a 5-ton unit to properly cool the space. One way to determine the appropriate size for your air conditioner is by dividing the load or capacity by the floor area. However, this method often results in small numbers that are not as easy to work with. Instead, we use a simpler rule of thumb: 1000 square feet per ton.
This means that for every 1000 square feet of living space, you will need one ton of cooling capacity. When we analyzed 167 different zones, we found that only 12% had less than 1000 square feet per ton. This means that the majority of homes are not properly sized for their air conditioning needs. In fact, the average load for the 75 homes we studied was around 1200 square feet per ton.Out of those 63 homes, we looked at a total of 151 individual heating and cooling systems. What we found was that the air conditioning equipment we selected was actually larger than the loads.
This resulted in an average capacity of 856 square feet per ton, which is 28% higher than the average cooling load of 1192 square feet per ton. This just goes to show the importance of starting with the right size when designing an air conditioning system. So, what does this mean for homeowners? When looking at the number of square feet per ton, you should aim for a number that is close to 1000 square feet per ton for newer homes. If the number is significantly lower, it could indicate that your home is not as energy efficient as it should be. As an example, I have a 1920s vintage house with about 2400 square feet of living space. I have a 1-ton Midea modulating agitator (essentially a mini-split in a can) mounted in my office loft window.
With all interior doors open, this unit is able to cover 100% of my cooling load at an average indoor temperature in the mid-70s F. This results in a ratio of one ton per 2400 square feet under design conditions. On the other hand, if I were to use my central air with 5-ton ducts, the duty cycle would never exceed 50%, even when outdoor temperatures reach 90°F. This means that my load ratio would be one ton per 1000 square feet at outdoor temperatures that are 10°F or more above the design temperature. When it comes to air conditioning units, they are typically rated in increments of 0.5 tons, with options ranging from 1.5 tons to 5 tons. It's important to understand how the size of your air conditioner will affect the comfort of your home.
Choosing a unit that is too large can result in constant cycling, which can be both inefficient and uncomfortable. One common method for determining the appropriate size for an air conditioner is by using the J and S protocols in the Manual. This typically results in a recommendation of 2 to 3 tons for most homes. However, there are other factors that can affect the size of your air conditioner, such as the number and size of windows, as well as the level of insulation in your home. At Over the Moon, we understand the importance of properly sizing your air conditioner. Our team of experts can help you determine the right size for your home and install a new unit or replace an existing one.
We prioritize energy efficiency and customer satisfaction, so you can trust us to provide top-notch service and recommendations. When it comes to air conditioning units, it's important to consider both energy efficiency and cooling capacity. By understanding the appropriate size for your home and taking into account factors such as insulation and window size, you can ensure that your air conditioner is properly sized for optimal comfort and efficiency.