Right-Sizing Your AC for Your Colorado Home: Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better

If some cooling is good, more cooling must be better, right? Unfortunately, this myth is completely untrue when it comes to the right sizing for ACs in Fort Collins. By getting an AC that is too big for your home, you can end up compromising your family’s comfort, energy efficiency, and HVAC longevity.

Fort Collins has specific energy needs, so you need an HVAC system that matches the climate and your family’s comfort preferences. By working with Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, you can ensure your family gets the best AC possible.

What Does “AC Sizing” Actually Mean?

When it comes to the HVAC load calculation, the most important units of measurement are British Thermal Units (BTUs) and tons. BTUs represent the amount of heat a unit can remove in one hour. Meanwhile, a ton represents 12,000 BTUs. However, the estimate of BTUs per ton doesn’t account for a home’s climate or the quality of sealing, so it can vary. In an efficient home, a ton of cooling capacity can typically cool 800 to 1,000 square feet. 

While an AC sizing calculator will give you a rough estimate of the capacity you need, you need a professional HVAC technician to conduct a thorough energy audit. One of our technicians will consider factors like your home’s windows, ceiling height, sun exposure, and square footage to match the cooling output you need to your home’s specific heat load.

The Big Problem with an Oversized AC Unit

Struggling with AC-too-big problems? If you have an overly large AC, you can run into a number of oversized AC issues. From short cycling to uneven cooling, the following are some of the problems you can expect if your AC is too big for your home.

• Short Cycling: If a unit is too large, it will reach the appropriate temperature too quickly and shut off. Then, it has to restart as soon as the temperature starts to dip. This leads to constant on/off cycles that are known as short cycling. Eventually, this can lead to wear and component malfunctions.
• Poor Dehumidification: Because of short cycling, you may experience humidity issues. If the AC reaches the right temperature too fast, it doesn’t have enough time to completely remove humidity from the air. In turn, this can lead to sticky, uncomfortable indoor air.
• Higher Energy Bills: While short cycling might appear more powerful and effective, it actually is less efficient. Thanks to the frequent starts and stops, you’ll end up using more energy.
• Increased Wear and Tear: When a unit has to start and stop frequently, it strains the interior components. In turn, this leads to premature breakdowns and a shorter lifespan. 
• Uneven Cooling: Thanks to your short cycling AC, your rooms may feel overly chilly or warm. Inadequate air distribution causes temperature variations, resulting in a less comfortable home.

The Risks of an Undersized AC Unit

When it comes to right-sizing ACs in Fort Collins, you also have to consider the impact of getting an undersized AC. This problem can impact your comfort and lead to more frequent repairs, so it’s essential to get your AC sized properly. 

• Constant Running: If your AC is incorrectly sized, it may struggle to meet your cooling demand. As a result, it will seem to run all the time and still be unable to achieve the correct temperature.
• Lack of Comfort: Because your AC can’t meet your home’s performance needs, your home will rarely feel cool or dehumidified.
• Premature Failure: Another one of the undersized AC symptoms is that the AC has more frequent breakdowns. Repairs are more frequent, and you’ll have to replace the entire AC sooner than you normally would.

The Gold Standard: Why Right-Sizing is Best

As a homeowner, there are a few key reasons why you need to find the right AC capacity in Fort Collins.

• Optimal Comfort: When you get the right size, you don’t have to worry about uneven cooling or high humidity from ACs. Instead, your family can enjoy the optimal comfort level.
• Maximized Energy Efficiency: By picking the appropriate size, you can enjoy a more consistent, energy-efficient AC installation.
• Extended System Lifespan: A well-sized AC is going to experience less wear and tear on its components, leading to a longer lifespan. 
• Quieter Operation: When the AC is better matched for your home, it will be quieter. You’ll hear noisy startups and shutdowns less often.
• Lower Operating Costs: By getting the right AC size, you can save money on your monthly energy bills.

How Professionals “Right-Size” Your AC: The Manual J Load Calculation

Getting the right sizing for ACs in Fort Collins isn’t just guesswork. Our HVAC technicians have to determine the Manual J calculation. This calculation involves your home’s square footage, insulation levels, window types and orientation, ceiling height, air leakage, and climate zone. Additionally, we have to consider how many occupants and heat-generating appliances are in your home.

This industry standard is an incredibly precise way to determine the amount of energy you need down to the BTU. When your family’s comfort and budget are at risk, you deserve nothing less.

What To Expect During an AC Sizing Consultation

When you call us for a new AC unit in Fort Collins, we’ll immediately schedule an initial consultation and energy audit. One of our team members will show up promptly at the appointed time with a fully stocked truck and all of the tools they need to calculate your ideal capacity.

Once our technician is at your home, they will quickly work to measure your rooms, check for the number of windows, and review your sun exposure. They’ll also ask you questions about other things, like your comfort preferences and insulation. By carefully working through this thorough process, we can ensure the best accuracy possible.

Right-Sizing for Fort Collins: Tailoring AC to Our Unique Climate

Fort Collins’ climate involves hot, frequently dry summers. Thanks to its climate and the wide range of home styles, it’s essential to get an exact AC size for your home.

There are many factors that can impact the AC size you need in Fort Collins. Older homes are often less insulated, which is why they may need a larger AC. Similarly, the sunshine in Fort Collins can warm homes. Because of this, you need the best load calculation possible to get the ideal AC for your situation. 

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we are the local experts in understanding Fort Collins’ housing stock and weather patterns. As a result, we can provide the most accurate AC size calculations possible.

Don’t Guess Your AC Size – Get a Professional Load Calculation From Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing!

Thinking about a new AC for your Fort Collins home? Don’t make an expensive mistake by getting an oversized AC. Our team of HVAC technicians offers professional help with right-sizing ACs in Fort Collins. Whether you need help with a home energy audit, AC replacement, or AC installation in Fort Collins, our team is here to help. 

Schedule a free consultation today!