When HVAC experts talk about “sizing” a residential air conditioner, they’re not talking about the physical dimensions of the unit, but rather the unit’s ability to produce cool air for every room in the house. When choosing a new AC for your home, it’s important to pick one that’s the right size for the square footage of your house. A unit that’s too small won’t be able to keep up with your cooling demands, and one that’s too large will most likely cycle on and off frequently, decreasing the unit’s efficiency and increasing your monthly energy bills. At Enix Mechanical, we can help you find the perfect air conditioner for your Las Vegas home.

What Size Should You Choose?

Because there are so many AC models available in so many sizes, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your home. In theory, it will take about one-ton of capacity to cool every 400 square feet of your home, so if your house is 2400 square feet, a six-ton AC unit will most likely perform best during the Vegas summers. It can often be better to get a slightly undersized unit rather than an oversized one, since the larger units can be less efficient. It’s also important to consider how well your home is insulated, and if the ductwork throughout the house is sealed and leak free.

The SEER Rating

Anyone who’s ever researched air conditioning units has come across a SEER Rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, and it will be listed on every unit’s Energy Guide® label. The U.S. Department of Energy establishes the minimum standards for SEER Ratings, and the higher the number, the more efficient the AC unit. Older air conditioners can have a SEER in the single digits, but newer models must have a rating of 13 or above. To understand the efficiency of a SEER, a unit with a rating of 15 is 50 percent more efficient than a unit with a rating of 10; every one rating point refers to 10 percent more efficiency.

Energy-Saving Features to Look For

Even if the unit has a good SEER rating and is the appropriate size for your home, there are other energy-saving features you should look for so you’re sure it’s the best choice. Large coils will mean the unit is better at transferring heat while taking outside air, cooling it, and pushing it through your home. An automatic delay fan switch will keep the fan on after the compressor has turned down so cool air is still circulating through your home. A filter indicator light can also be important, as this will alert you when the filter needs to be changed. Proper maintenance is key to extending your AC’s lifespan.

If you have questions about air conditioners, or you’re ready to replace your old unit, contact Enix today and we’ll help any way we can. We want you and your family to be comfortable during those hot Nevada summers!