How to Beat Kansas City Humidity
Humidity goes hand in hand with living in Kansas City. And even though your air conditioner occasionally runs nonstop in the summer, it just can’t keep all of that moisture out of your home.
Older ACs Can’t Keep Up with High Humidity
When humidity is high, your heating and cooling unit has to work extra hard to control the moisture level in your home. Sometimes older heating and cooling units, or units that may have been incorrectly sized from the beginning, can’t keep up with the level of moisture in the air. Replace your system with a dual stage air conditioning unit and furnace with a variable speed fan motor. This works wonders for humidity removal.
What Is a Dual Stage Air Conditioner?
The main difference between a single and a dual stage air conditioner is the compressor unit. A single-stage air conditioner’s compressor only has one level of cooling – full blast. A two-stage air conditioner’s compressor works on two different levels – high for hot summer days (basically the same as full blast for single stage ACs) and low for milder days when you don’t need as much cooling.
Advantages of Dual Stage ACs
The two main advantages of dual stage air conditioners are better energy efficiency and greater comfort. Below we explain both in more detail:
Greater Energy Efficiency
A dual stage AC means lower utility bills because the unit isn’t running at full blast all of the time. On cooler days, it will run at the lower setting, but will automatically kick up to the higher level when needed. A single-stage air conditioner turns on and off more often because it can only cool at one speed, then turn off once it reaches your thermostat setting. Every time your AC starts up, it takes a lot of energy, which raises your utility bill. But the two-stage air conditioner can meet your cooling needs about 80% of the time with its low setting, meaning it will run more often without as many starts and stops.
Greater Comfort
Because the two-stage air conditioner runs more continually, it will provide more even cooling. Your temperature won’t fluctuate up and down with the ons and offs of a single stage system.
But an even bigger advantage to the dual stage system is moisture removal. A dual stage system can remove twice as much moisture/humidity from your air. And in Kansas City, that’s important to comfort as well.
Dehumidifiers Remove Excess Moisture
Besides dual stage air conditioners, another option for removing moisture from your home is installing a dehumidifier. With proper installation, a dehumidifier can work in conjunction with your heating and cooling system to remove excess moisture, and help prevent unwanted bacterial growth. We recommend the Lennox whole-home dehumidification system.
Tips for Keeping Humidity Out of Your Home
Here are some other ways to keep additional moisture and humidity from building up in your home:
- Make sure clothes dryers are vented to the outside
- Use vent fans in kitchen when cooking
- Use vent fans in bathrooms when showering
- Seal doors and windows
- Seal cracks or holes in ducts
- Run a dehumidifier
- Keep air conditioning drip pans and drain lines clean and unobstructed
- Cover dirt floors in crawl spaces with a plastic vapor barrier
Let Lancaster Help with Repairs or Replacement
Having issues with an older AC? Let us look and either repair or replace the unit so you and your family stay cool and comfortable. Lancaster Brothers is proud to install Lennox air conditioners, so if your air conditioner is on its last leg, we will be happy to provide a free estimate. There are also rebates and financing available for qualifying systems, and our comfort specialist will let you know about available programs.
If you have moisture problems or musty smells in your home, give the team at Lancaster a call at (913) 851-3399 and we’ll give you cleaner, fresher, air to breathe in your home.
Chris Lancaster August 8th, 2017
5 Reasons for a Leaky AC Unit & How to Fix It
A very common complaint with AC units is the leaking of water. This happens because the evaporator coil in your unit cools the warm air that blows over it, and condensation occurs as a result. That moisture is supposed to drip into a drip pan or drain line and go away from your home. You know you have a problem when you see this water elsewhere.
Here are some common causes for these leaks, and ways to fix them.
Related Reads: Your Air Conditioner Would Like a Massage
1. Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter will block airflow to the evaporator coil, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and possibly freeze over. When the ice melts, it drips. This dripping may overwhelm the drip pan, and result in leaking water.
To correct this, have your air filter checked and replaced frequently (about every 1-3 months). If it is dirty, replace immediately.
2. Low Refrigerant
If your air conditioner is not cooling well, or you hear a hissing or bubbling noise, the refrigerant is leaking. When refrigerant is low, the pressure in the AC system lowers and causes it to freeze over and melt, much like the symptoms a dirty air filter causes. Depending on the severity of the leak, the leak may either be repaired or you may have to replace the entire AC unit.
3. Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan
The drain pan catches water that drips from the unit, and can become rusted and damaged over time. After around 12-15 years, this part will need replacement.
Related Reads: Helpful Tips When Your AC Is on Life Support
4. Clogged Condensate Drain Line
When the condensate drain line is clogged with dirt, dust, sludge or mold, water backs up into your home. A professional can use a wet/dry vac to unclog the condensate line. A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most frequent causes of water leaking from an AC unit.
5. Broken Condensate Pump
For units that are located in basements, a condensate pump pumps water outside of the home. When this breaks, water cannot leave the unit and backs up. Replacing this pump will amend the problem.
If your system’s aged and you think you need a replacement, we can help with that too. Lancaster Brothers proudly installs Lennox furnace and air conditioning systems. Check our Specials page for current rebates and special financing for qualified homeowners.
See What Our Customers Are Saying
My wife and I are very grateful for fitting our installation project as swiftly as you did. We had central air last night, and what a blessing. You men are the best.
Adam came back this morning to button a few things up… He is one terrific technician and person. You couldn’t have a better representative for your company than Adam.
– M.D.
Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling proudly serves the entire Kansas City area. If you notice any of the listed issues or notice that your unit is not working as efficiently as it was before, please contact us today. Our technicians will be glad to help diagnose the problem.
Chris Lancaster July 31st, 2017
Posted In: Cooling, Indoor Air Quality
4 Likely Causes for a Buzzing AC Unit
When it’s working efficiently and correctly, your air conditioner should not produce any noises louder than a low hum. If you hear a loud, distracting buzz from your AC unit, that is a sign that there is something wrong. Several issues can cause a buzzing noise from your AC unit. Some are very simple fixes, while some are very serious.
What’s the Buzz I Hear from My AC Unit?
The team at Lancaster Brothers has put together this list of possible causes for buzzing to help you diagnose your system:
1. Your AC Unit is Frozen
When the air conditioner is running for long periods of time, it can freeze up, which will cause a loud buzzing sound. If this happens, turn off the unit to let it thaw. After a few hours of it being off, it should be running again without issue when you switch it back on. Refrigerant leaks cause the unit to freeze, so if this happens frequently, or it is still buzzing after a few hours, professional assistance is needed.
2. Your AC Unit Has Loose Parts
With so many pieces moving in conjunction inside your air conditioner, parts sometimes vibrate loose. While it may seem like no big deal, missing or loose parts can affect the efficiency and performance of the unit and lead to more expensive problems over time.
3. Your AC’s Condenser Fan Motor isn’t Working Properly
The condenser fan is the large fan that blows from the outside unit when your AC unit kicks on. If the inside blower is working but the fan is not turning, the fan motor will emit a loud buzz. Debris inside the unit, a failing fan, or loose parts can all be reasons for why the blades aren’t turning.
4. Your AC Has Electrical Issues
Electrical issues are also common causes to loud buzzing sounds. One of the easiest electrical fixes is replacing the contractor relay switch which is a low-voltage switch in your exterior unit that is controlled by the interior thermostat. When it goes out, it will create the loud buzz. However, more serious electrical problems, such as aging or loose electrical connections can also cause the buzz from the unit. If those aren’t repaired, they can lead to more serious problems, including electrical shorts.
Call Lancaster Brothers for Fast AC Fixes
A loud buzzing sound is a sign there is something wrong with your air conditioning unit. If you hear this noise, turn off the unit immediately, and give us a call. Here at Lancaster Brothers, our professional and experienced technicians are available to diagnose the problem quickly and fix it fast. From routine maintenance to keep your system running in top condition to replacing your AC unit, Lancaster Brothers will get your house cool and comfortable in no time.
We Install Quality Lennox Air Conditioners and Furnaces
If your AC is on its last leg, give us a call. Our experts can set you up with a system that is the right size for your home and your budget. Check out the savings on Lennox systems on our Specials page.
If you need AC repairs or replacement, call the professionals at Lancaster Brothers at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online and we’ll be there to fix it fast!
Chris Lancaster July 12th, 2017
Posted In: Cooling, Indoor Air Quality
8 Easy DIY Steps to Make Your AC Run at Maximum Efficiency
When you consider that your heating and cooling bills account for about half of your energy expenses year round, it makes sense that a little maintenance can go a long way in making your system run more efficiently and saving you money. With that in mind, the team at Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling has put together this 8-Step DIY plan to help your system run at peak efficiency.
Safety First!
Before you begin, turn off the power to the unit. Turn the condenser switch on the outside unit to the “off” position. Go to your breaker box and turn off the breaker to your furnace and AC. You don’t want it turning on while you have your hands near the fan blades!
Indoor AC Steps
1. Clean the evaporator coils
On many systems, these will be behind a door near the blower motor. It may even be sealed with foil tape. Open the cover and use a soft brush to dust off the coils. A paint brush or dust pan broom should work just fine. Spray the coil with coil cleaner, letting it drip into the drain pan. Afterwards, clean the drain pan with soap and hot water. Check the drain to make sure water is flowing freely. If it does, you can skip the next step.
2. Clean the evaporator drain tube
This tube is usually a 1-inch PVC pipe coming from the evaporator. It could be white or clear. Follow it to where it drains out. Attach the wet/dry vacuum to this end, sealing it with duct tape or with a rag. Remove the vacuum’s filter to avoid damaging it and turn the vacuum on for 2-3 minutes to clear out any blockage.
3. Change the air filter
This should be done once a month on average (though manufacturers’ recommendations may vary by unit). At the bare minimum, change it twice a year; once at the start of the cooling season and once at the start of the heating season.
4. Turn the power back on and let it go through a full cycle
If it’s not cooling like it used to, it’s time to call a pro.
Outdoor AC Steps
5. Clean out around your condenser
Make sure the unit is free from plants, sticks, dirt, mud, animal nests and any other foreign objects. Rake any ground-level debris away from the condenser and prune any branches or bushes away at least two feet.
6. Clean the condenser
Remove the grate over the fan and vacuum away any debris found inside. With a garden hose, spray the fins from the inside out. (Never use a pressure washer. The fins are very thin and can be easily damaged.)
7. Inspect the fins
They are very thin and bend easily. If you see damaged spots, straighten them gently with the butter knife or fin tool. Be careful not to damage the tubing within the fins.
8. Level the condenser
As soil settles, it’s not unusual for the condenser pad to lean or sink on one side. Using shims and a level, bring the condenser back to a level position.
Following these steps will keep your home’s indoor air cleaner, reduce allergy symptoms, and allow your system to work more efficiently, reducing energy costs.
Give Lancaster Brothers a call and we can check your AC to make sure it is running at peak efficiency. You can save even more by joining our Maintenance Club. To schedule a maintenance visit, please feel free to contact us online or call us at (913) 851-3399. If you need a new air conditioner, we can install a quality Lennox unit at great savings.
Chris Lancaster June 26th, 2017
Posted In: Cooling, Indoor Air Quality
10 Quirky Air Conditioning Facts That Will Blow Your Mind
Your home’s air conditioner has a lot more history than you may think. It’s a modern luxury that we often forget we are privileged to have until it goes out on us in the peak heat of summer.
Air conditioning has changed a lot over the course of history. Here are 10 trivia facts about AC that will definitely spark great dinner conversation.
1. The First Places to Use AC?: Movie Theaters
Surprised? Us too. Movie theaters were among the first public places to have air conditioning, as a ploy to try to get everyone to come to the movies.
Theaters would release big pictures in the summer, hence the term “summer blockbuster.”
2. What Relies on Air Conditioning to Survive?: Medications
Air conditioners allow many of the medications you take each day to be studied and developed. Researchers require cool and less-humid air in their labs to accurately study these groundbreaking necessities.
3. The U.S. Uses the Same Amount of Energy to Power AC Systems as Which Continent?: Africa
The U.S. is one of the biggest consumers of air conditioning in the world. We use so much of it, that our energy consumption for them is equal to the amount of energy Africa uses every year to power the entire continent.
4. Before BTU’s, How Were Air Conditioner Output Ratings Judged?: Ice
Prior to the invention of the air conditioner, people used to keep cool with large blocks of ice. So, when air conditioners were first introduced in 1902, their output ratings were judged based on how much ice you would need to get the same cooling power.
5. What Was the Driving Factor Behind the Invention of the Air Conditioner?: Newspapers
In 1902, Willis Carrier came up with the idea when working at a publishing company. He needed a way to keep his paper from expanding and the ink from running. Viola!
6. Air Conditioners Are Responsible for Changing What in Humans?: Our Heat Tolerance
Scientific studies have shown that the introduction of air conditioning has actually lowered the natural human tolerance for heat. Meaning a hot summer’s day seems much more amplified than it did to people generations ago.
7. Who Created The First Pseudo Air Conditioner?: The Chinese
In 180 AD, a Chinese artisan invented a 10-foot wide rotary fan that had seven connected wheels. It could cool an entire hall of people just by turning a crank.
8. Who Is Considered the Father of Air Conditioning & Refrigeration?: John Gorrie
Gorrie was a Floridian doctor, and in 1842 he developed a machine that made ice in order to cool the air for his patients. He was granted a patent to create a similar machine for homes and buildings, but died before he could create it.
9. What U.S. Landmark Building was Among the First Ever to Use Air Conditioning?: The New York Stock Exchange
The New York Stock Exchange Building was one of the first buildings to use air conditioning in 1903.
10. The Invention of the Air Conditioner Changed What Other Industry? Architecture
Before air conditioners, architects used to design homes and buildings with high ceilings, porches, breezeways, and landscaping that provided shade in order to keep occupants cool.
Heating and Cooling Myths You Probably Believe
In the spirit of sharing things you didn’t know, we thought we’d share these heating and cooling myths you probably were taught to believe.
Whether it’s common sense that doesn’t actually make sense, or because of technological updates, there are tricks you probably use each day that are actually costing you money instead of saving it.
Read on to see if you’re guilty of believing these common misconceptions.
Ceiling Fans Cool Your Home
Fans move air, and moving air feels cooler on the skin. So, if a room is feeling warm, fans are a great way to cool it down – as long as someone is in the room. While fans create wind, they don’t change the temperature.
When fans are left on in an empty room, they’re not dropping the temperature, but they can help keep the air from feeling or smelling stagnant when you get there.
Related Read: The Ultimate Guide to Summer Energy Savings
Close the Register if You Don’t Use the Room
While it makes sense on the surface, this myth is actually outdated. Sure, in the past, heating systems benefited when they only had to heat a small space. When modern systems are installed, each room is considered and factored into the system and closing rooms off displaces pressure for your heater.
Today, closing the register creates an imbalance for your heating system and closing too many can even cause a breakdown.
Fireplaces Mean Less Work for Your Heating System
There’s something about a fireplace – that soft crackling sound and flickering light is totally unique. But if you’re using your fireplace to lessen the work for your heating system, you’re fooling yourself.
The fact of the matter is that a fireplace is a great big hole in your ceiling, and since heat rises, it escapes through that hole. Add in the fact that most people purchase firewood, and you’re spending far more than you’re saving.
Looking to keep your home more comfortable? Consider a humidifier – for a myriad of different reasons.
Duct Tape Is Great for Sealing Ducts
Not so much. Duct tape is good at a lot of things, but sealing ducts is definitely not one of them. When duct tape is used to patch up ductwork, it consistently fails, usually within the year. If you’re looking to seal up your ducts, you’ll be far better served by mastic or foil tape.
We hope this information helps you make better heating and cooling decisions regarding your home as well as helps to save you money on your heating and cooling bills.
If you’d like more information on making your home more efficient with a new furnace, air conditioner, or geothermal system, We have plenty of options available for new Lennox systems and rebates are usually available.
Call Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling at (913) 837-2000 today for a free estimate or email Tina at tina@lancasterbrothers.com.
Chris Lancaster April 18th, 2017
Posted In: Cooling
Get in the Zone: The Advantages of Zoning Your Home
Everyone says, “Get out of your comfort zone”. Well, at Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling, we say, “Get into your comfort zone!” We’re talking about heating and air conditioning, of course. The goal of any homeowner is to keep your home comfortable year round. The trick is to do it without spending a fortune on heating and cooling bills.
With winter quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the inevitable increase in heating costs. Keeping your home warm can be a challenge, but zoning can help you save on your heating/cooling bills and make your home more comfortable.
What Is Zoning?
Most homes rely on one unit to heat or cool the home. A zoned home breaks your home into different segments based on your heating and cooling needs. Instead of trying to control the temperature throughout the entire house, zoning allows you to control temperatures in individual areas. Zoning can be added to your existing heating and cooling equipment. A zone control panel communicates with your thermostat, dampers and your furnace and AC. The thermostats in each zone send a signal to the control panel to send air to that area. Dampers placed in your ductwork are wired to a specific zone on the control panel, which is controlled by a specific thermostat. They automatically open and close depending on what the thermostats tell them they need.
Related Read: What Your 5 Senses Can Tell You about Your Furnace
Who Benefits from Zoning?
There are several factors that make zoning beneficial to the home. Homes with more than two stories, homes with finished basements, areas with large windows or high ceilings, and rooms that you close off in the winter or summer because they aren’t comfortable. Older homes can benefit from zoning as well because many older houses are unable to be equipped with traditional HVAC ductwork.
How Does Zoning Increase Comfort?
Zoning increases comfort in your home by allowing each zone to be set at an optimal temperature for its inhabitants. Families tend to have different hot and cold thresholds, and zoning eliminates fighting over the thermostat.
How Does Zoning Save Money?
Zoning saves money on heating and cooling bills because you only heat/cool the zones you’re using, instead of the entire house. It gives you more control of which zones are heated or cooled, saving you money on the zones you don’t need to be heated or cooled all day, every day.
If you would like to save money on heating/cooling costs and make your home more comfortable, contact us. At Lancaster Brothers will be happy to answer any of your questions and help in any way we can. Call us at (913) 851-3399.
Chris Lancaster November 9th, 2016
Why, By Law, Your New AC Must Be a 13 SEER
As a homeowner, you may or may not have heard of a SEER rating. It is a term used in the heating and cooling industry to describe the energy efficiency of an air conditioning unit. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.
The government has mandated that only air conditioners with a rating of 13 SEER or higher can be installed. The experts at Lancaster Heating and Cooling break down the basics of this law and help you understand exactly why it was created and how it affects you.
Air Conditioners Are Becoming More Energy Efficient by Law
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is a building code adopted by many states and municipal governments in the United States for the establishment of minimum design and construction requirements for energy efficiency.
In 2009, the United States adopted the code and created legislation to set into motion a long-term plan to control the manufacturing and installation of more energy efficient equipment. The IECC agreement follows a series of upgrades in equipment that will continue until 2030.
When Did This Legislation Take Effect?
From 2006 to 2014, all states have been required to install only 13 SEER units or better. Since 2015, southeastern and southwestern regions are required to have a 14 SEER minimum for air conditioners. Here in the Midwest, our minimum is still 13 SEER for air conditioners.
Older Air Conditioners Are Grandfathered In
Don’t worry if your existing air conditioner isn’t 13 SEER. All current units are grandfathered in, and the new law doesn’t apply. Only newly installed units must meet the minimum requirements. Upgrades are not necessary for units that are already installed.
SEER Ratings Are Good for Consumers & the Environment
More energy efficient units are good news for everyone. They mean that less energy from sources such as electricity and natural gas are being used. Not only is it better for the environment, it’s good for homeowners too because monthly energy bills will be reduced. Plus, it lessens the likelihood of power outages due to overconsumption.
Related Read: Geothermal Savings for Homeowners
If you need help with any air conditioning or heating equipment, from repairs to replacements, you can count on the team at Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling. For more helpful information, visit the Lancaster blog or call us at (913) 851-3399.
Chris Lancaster June 10th, 2016
Posted In: Cooling
Natural Ventilation & How It Can Work In Your Home
Want a less stuffy home without having to run your air conditioner? Try natural ventilation. Your air conditioner might be able to keep your home cooler, but it can’t always mimic the invigorating effects of fresh air. Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling understands that homeowners don’t want to run their air conditioners all the time. Keeping your AC off can help you save money. You can try and make natural ventilation work in your home by tweaking a few things. It’s a perfect way to naturally ventilate your home and enjoy the beautiful weather as we transition into the fall months.
Make Natural Ventilation Work
Natural ventilation is optimal to use in areas that are cool at night and have regular breezes. That makes Kansas City ideal. Wind will naturally ventilate your home when it enters or leaves windows. When wind blows against your home, air is forced into your windows on the side facing towards the wind, while a natural vacuum effect tends to draw air out of windows on the leeward (downwind) side.
This is called the “chimney effect”. It uses convection to naturally create a cool freshening effect on your home. When cool air enters the home on the first floor or basement, it absorbs heat in there and rises. Then exits through upstairs windows. Convection in your home creates a vacuum, which in-turn pulls more air in through lower-level windows.
Related Read: Keep Cooler at Night Without AC
There are a few ways you can encourage and enhance natural ventilation in your home, too. The right landscaping can have a huge effect. Each house design is different, but depending on wind direction, a windbreak like a fence, hedge, or row of trees that blocks the wind can force air either into or away from nearby windows.
Call Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling today at 913-837-2000 for a furnace tune-up and help your home transition into fall and winter.
Chris Lancaster September 30th, 2015
Posted In: Cooling
Why You Should Consider Other AC Options: The Ductless Mini-Split System
Keeping your Kansas City home cool this summer is our top priority here at Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling. That’s why we want you to make sure you know all of your options when it comes to air conditioning your home. While many homeowners lean towards traditional air conditioning systems that consist of both an indoor and outdoor unit, there are other cooling systems that can still get you the results you want. Ductless mini-split systems are one option that is becoming increasingly popular today. Here’s everything you need to know about them to make the most informed and best decision for your family and your home.
An Efficient Air Conditioning Option
Ductless mini-split systems are known for being very efficient at cooling your home. These air conditioners are mounted on a wall and don’t require ductwork. Because of their different operational characteristics, ductless mini-splits work well for zoning, meaning they only heat and cool areas you want them to. WIth traditional heating and cooling systems, your home’s comfort depends on heating or cooling the entire house at once, and 25-40% of the efficiency of the system is lost through the ductwork. Ductless mini-splits work in all climate zones and, while expensive, they can be an affordable alternative to having a traditional ducted system installed. If your home already contains ductwork, adding a mini-split system can be more expensive, but it could be worth the tradeoff for lower energy bills thanks to the ductless mini-split system’s high efficiency. Ductless mini-split systems also have a longer lifespan of about 12-15 years.
Related Read: Bigger Isn’t Always Better: Why Size Matters for Air Conditioners
Why Ductless Mini-Splits Are a Great Option
One of the best advantages to ductless mini-split systems is that you can control the temperature in individual rooms instead of having to heat or cool the entire house. This means you can be comfortable wherever you are in your home without extremely high energy bills. Some of the many other advantages to the ductless mini-split system include:
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Less Ductwork – more savings due to less energy loss through ductwork
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Zoning – heat or cool only the areas you want, not unoccupied rooms
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High SEER Ratings – better efficiency results in lower utility bills
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Easy Installation – installation is faster and easier than traditional AC systems
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Variety – choose from several styles (cassette, compact duct, or wall mounted)
If you think a you want to install a ductless mini-split system in your home, call the air conditioning team you trust at Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling at (913) 837-2000.
Chris Lancaster July 30th, 2015
Posted In: Cooling
Bigger Isn’t Always Better: Why Size Matters for Air Conditioners
The old saying, “less is more” pertains to shopping for air conditioners for your home. You really can have too much of a good thing when it comes to cooling your home. Installing a system that is not properly sized for your home can render it less efficient and effective. Here are a some of the biggest problems you’ll experience if you install a cooling system that’s too big, and how you can figure out what size air conditioner you should be considering instead.
You’ll Stay Cool, But Humid
One major problem you’ll experience if you install a system that’s too big is high humidity levels throughout your home, which can cause other issues. Air conditioners are supposed to remove heat and humidity from the air in your home. If you have a system that is too large, you’ll find that it will cool your home quickly, but only remove some of the humidity. This can leave your home feeling damp and clammy. A properly sized unit will remove humidity effectively as it cools, creating a more pleasant home environment.
Bigger Unit, Bigger Costs
With a bigger sized unit, comes more costs. Not only will you have to cash out more to buy it, but to operate it as well. Too-large AC units will start and stop more often. It will do this because it only needs to run for a short time to meet the thermostat set point. All that starting and stopping means you’ll probably be repairing it more often and replacing it sooner, meaning it will have a shorter lifespan than a properly sized unit.
Related Read: Types of Air Conditioners & Which One Is Right for Your Home
Figure Out the Right Size for Your Home
First, determine the square footage of the area to be cooled using the following formulas:
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For square and rectangular rooms, multiply the length of the area by its width
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For a triangular area, multiply the length of the area by the width and divide by 2
Next, using the square footage and the chart below provided by Energy Star, determine the correct cooling capacity. Cooling capacity is measured in British thermal units (BTUs) per hour.
Lastly, make any adjustments for the following circumstances:
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If the home is heavily shaded, reduce capacity by 10 percent.
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If the home is very sunny, increase capacity by 10 percent.
- Adjust capacity based on how many people will occupy the home, as each person adds 600 BTUs.
For help figuring out which air conditioning system will be the most cost effective and efficient for your home, call the Kansas City air conditioning company you can trust, Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling at 913-837-2000.
Chris Lancaster July 16th, 2015
Posted In: Cooling