When it comes to surviving the intense Arizona heat, some people think that more power means more cooling and more comfort. However, a unit that uses too much wattage for your home not only runs up your energy bills, it wears out your system prematurely and still leaves your home uncomfortable. Here’s how to tell how much AC wattage is too much for your home.
Getting the Correct AC Wattage
A well-installed AC uses 1,000 watts for every ton of cooling it creates, which is enough to cool about 600 square feet. Therefore, an 1,800-square-foot home would require a three-ton system and use about 3,000 watts of electricity per hour.
However, there are other factors that can affect the amount of cooling you need. If you have large windows or glass doors, particularly facing south for direct sunlight, your home will heat up faster, requiring more AC wattage to keep it cool. Even high ceilings increase the total area your system needs to cover, which means a bigger unit that uses more power.
This is why it’s essential that your HVAC contractor use Manual J when installing your AC. It allows them to use all the important factors to calculate exactly what size unit you need and how many watts it should have.
Signs of Too Much Wattage
What happens if you just get the biggest unit available? The high-intensity blasts of cold air will cause the unit to short cycle, which means it turns on and off rapidly over and over again. These short bursts keep the air from cycling through the system properly, which leads to hot and cold spots around your home and even across the same room. They also keep the unit from dehumidifying the air adequately, making your home feel clammy and uncomfortable.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, call your HVAC contractor to check your system’s size and help you find a unit that’s the correct wattage for your home.
For help getting the correct AC wattage, contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. Yuma’s home comfort and efficiency are our top priorities.
