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Does your home have comfort issues? Are some rooms stuffy, no matter what you do? Do you have hot zones in some rooms, where the cool air from the air conditioner never seems to reach? The problem is probably the size of your air-conditioning system. Proper air-conditioner sizing should be based on the “Manual J” method, an HVAC-industry standard created by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) to ensure effective air-conditioner sizing. The most common problem with air-conditioner sizing today is oversized systems. In the past it was thought that overlarge air-conditioning systems would create enough cooling to mitigate hotter weather; however, experts now believe that undersized systems are ideal. Studies have shown that under-sizing by just ten percent creates higher air-conditioning efficiency and more effective humidity removal. Your HVAC contractor should use the Manual J method because it factors in the square footage of your home, which is a key aspect, and accounts for other elements that impact the cooling load of your home, including the climate in your region: The climate in New Jersey differs from, for example, the climate in Texas, so calculating the size of an air-conditioning system without taking into account the regional cooling load is almost ludicrous. The design of your home: Some homes have cathedral ceilings, which increase the air-conditioning cooling load. Homes with windows that face south or north differ in how much the sun’s rays counteract cooling equipment. Insulation: If your home has appropriate levels of insulation, you’ll require less cooling. However, if your insulation isn’t up to par, your cooling equipment will have to work longer and harder. Home occupant habits: How you use your air conditioner and other heat-generating appliances will also impact the cooling load of your home. You can see how a home’s unique design definitively impacts cooling load, and just why using Manual J is critical to accurately calculate the size of your air-conditioning system. The next time you upgrade or replace air-conditioning equipment, be sure to have your contractor calculate its size using the Manual J method. You’ll be satisfied with your investment when your air conditioner comfortably cools every room in your home. Pipe Works Services is happy to help you with sizing. Call us anytime with your questions. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Pipe Works Services serves Chatham, NJ, and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website.
