What is load calculation and how does it factor in to my new air conditioner?

July 07, 2016

If it’s time to decide on an air conditioner replacement, having an expert perform a load calculation is imperative in picking the system that will work best for your home. All homes are specific in their cooling needs. If your system is inappropriately sized, it will affect your comfort and raise your utility bills. Let’s discuss what goes into a load calculation.

Originally, a load calculation was determined only by figuring the square footage of a home. That’s still one piece of the puzzle, but we consider various other components to find the products that will work the best for your home. Our experts will look at the climate in Lake Forest, the square footage and design of your home, the level of insulation, your roof size and type, the size and location of windows, your home’s sun exposure and your family’s habits and schedule.

We want to help you come across the air conditioner replacement that fits your home. If your system is very small, you’ll have trouble keeping your home at the desired temperature. And just because a system is bigger doesn’t absolutely mean it’s better. In fact, if your system is too oversized for your home, you could have a lot of problems:

  • Because it won’t have to run as long, an oversized system will consistently warm up and cool down. This causes more wear and tear on the system than need-be.
  • It can also reduce productivity and raise utility bills.
  • Another problem with an oversized system turning on and off too much is it will fail to dehumidify your air properly.

One key to your home’s comfort is creating proper airflow. 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can help with a room-by-room load calculation. We will make sure all components of your system—your air conditioner, ductwork and registers—are working together to keep you comfortable.

At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we specialize in keeping your Lake Forest home comfortable and maximizing energy efficiency. If you’re considering an air conditioner replacement, give us a call at 949-204-0859.