Why Size Matters With Your Air Conditioner
Brad Gordon • May 12, 2025

Why Size Matters With Your Air Conditioner

Air conditioners come in a wide range of different sizes. These sizes measure how much cooling they can provide, typically in British thermal units (BTU) or “tons” (dating back to when large blocks of ice were used for cooling). Instead of getting the largest available, it’s better to  have an HVAC company in Longwood calculate the right size.


Ensuring Adequate Cooling Capacity

When sizing an AC system, the first factor to consider is whether it can keep your home comfortable in any weather. This depends on a wide range of factors, including local climate and the construction of your home. You need a system that can put out sufficient cooling to meet your specific needs to ensure lasting comfort.


A trusted HVAC company can calculate the maximum cooling load based on details such as the size, layout, foundation, and insulation of your home. Together with historical weather data, they can use this to determine how much cooling you need on summer’s hottest days.


Preventing Short Cycling

If you end up with a system that’s too large, it may struggle to run properly. Air conditioners work by cycling on and off to maintain the set temperature, and proper sizing is necessary for efficient cycling. If your system is too big for your home, it will only run for a short period of time to reach the set temperature.


This might sound good, but it leads to the system turning on and off more than necessary. This is called short cycling, and it increases wear and decreases efficiency. You could need repairs or even replacement sooner than expected, and your monthly energy bills will be higher than they would be with an appropriately sized system.


The Right HVAC Company in Longwood for Your Next Installation

Getting the right size AC for your home can make a world of difference when it comes to cost, system longevity, and comfort. You can get the best results by working with a trusted HVAC company in Longwood. At Astoria Heating & Cooling, we carefully calculate the cooling load to deliver the perfect system. Reach out to get started today.

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