It all comes down to cooling load
If you decide to invest in a central air conditioning system you need to consider the following factors: the climate, the size and type of your home, your budget, the age of your house, and the needs of your family.
That’s a lot to consider but perhaps the most important factor is size – or, more accurately, size matching. The question is, what are you matching the size of your cooling system to?
Some air conditioning contractors will reduce the A/C size matching equation to a BTU–to-square footage formula but that approach won’t help you get the most from your cooling equipment. To do the job right – whether you plan to use a central air conditioner or heat pump – you need to consider your home’s cooling load.
What is cooling load?
Cooling load is a calculation that determines the amount of heat that needs to be removed from your home to consistently maintain the temperature set on your thermostat.
A number of factors contribute to cooling load, including:
- The square footage and layout of the house
- The quality and quantity of your insulation and air sealing
- The type of construction materials from which your house is built
- How much sun or shade the house is regularly exposed to
- The number, type, and location of windows you have
- And more