Month: August 2020

In the heat of the summer, it’s easy to assume that bigger is better when it comes to air conditioning (AC) systems. Obviously, if you have an air conditioner that’s too small in your Tucson home, you will not be able to keep your temperatures consistently low even if the unit is running constantly.

However, if your air conditioner is too large for your home, it will quickly cool down the space and shut off. Once the temperature rises, it will kick back on again. This constant on and off cycling, referred to as short cycling, uses a great deal of energy and wears down your air conditioning system more quickly.

Air conditioner loads must be calculated carefully, so you can match the unit to your cooling needs. Our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services would be happy to help you select the best-sized air conditioner for your particular Arizona home. In the meantime, here is a peak into how our trained experts calculate air conditioning needs.

Definition of Terms

In order to understand how to size an air conditioning unit, you have to know a little bit about how capacity is measured. Air conditioning systems are measured by tons, which specifies how much a particular unit can cool. For example, a one ton air conditioner can generate 12,000 BTUs.

A BTU is a British Thermal Unit, and one BTU is the energy needed to cool one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit every hour.

Air Conditioner Sizes

The smallest air conditioner is 1.5 tons or 18,000 BTUs and they can increase in size up to 5 tons or 60,000 BTUs by increments of one-half ton or 6,000 BTUs.

For a rough calculation to select an air conditioner for your home, you can take your total square footage, multiply it by 25, divide it by 12,000, and subtract .5.

Of course, our ACS Air Conditioning Services heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals use the complex Manual J load calculation to properly size HVAC systems. This rough calculation cited here will only provide a ballpark figure that should never be used to purchase a system on its own. There are other important elements that factor in to the calculations.

Other Important Factors

Before ordering that new air conditioner based on the simple math equation, you need to realize there are many other factors that should be considered before making a final decision:

• Ceiling height. Not all homes have standard ceiling heights. If you have a vaulted ceiling, loft area, or open floor plan, you may need to calculate the volume of your home, not only the square footage. High ceilings will require a larger air conditioner.

• House style. Two homes that have the same square footage may require different-sized air conditioning systems. A single-story sprawling ranch home requires more cooling power than a three-story townhouse.

• Local climate. If your home is located in a hot, humid location, you will need a different-sized air conditioner than if you live in a milder, dry climate. Temperature and humidity play a significant role in how much cooling and dehumidifying you will need your air conditioner to do.

• Size, type, and number of windows. Windows tend to leak energy out of your home more easily than solid walls. You must take into consideration the size and number of windows as well as how well they are sealed and their energy ratings.

• Insulation. In a similar way, a better insulated home requires less cooling energy than a poorly insulated one. If you are building or doing a major remodel, it may be a good decision to increase insulation before selecting your new air conditioning system.

• Other factors. Even considerations like the existing ductwork, type of window coverings, and number of residents and how often they are home can affect the load requirements of your air conditioner.

We Will Help With Your Air Conditioning

Call our professional team at ACS Air Conditioning Services in Tucson, AZ, to help you make the right choice in selecting your air conditioning system. Call 520-230-5668 or request service online today.

Stand outdoors on one of those days when the weather feels perfect, take a few deep breaths, and enjoy the fresh air.

Later, take another deep breath—only inside your Arizona home. How does it compare?

Improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) at your Tucson home or business makes sense on so many levels. Consider your health, your comfort, and your household budget. It’s hard to imagine a more important investment than improving the air you breathe!

At ACS Air Conditioning Services, we specialize in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that add value to your home and enjoyment to your lives. After all, nothing spells happiness like fresh air.

How Can You Improve Your Indoor Air Quality?

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consistently ranks indoor air pollution as a growing concern to the public’s health. Fortunately, there are ways to take control of the air you breathe.

A DIY (do it yourself) task you should always remember is to regularly change your furnace air filter. Most manufacturers recommend changing the filter at least every 90 days—more so if you have pets or a smoker in your Tucson home. Filters capture dust, debris, and other particles in the airflow. They play a vital role in cleaning the air and helping your HVAC system operate more efficiently.

There are varying types of air filters available, from inexpensive disposal filters to permanent ones requiring regular washing. Consider using high-particulate efficiency air (HEPA) filters if anyone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies. And it’s always a good idea to check manufacturer guidelines on choosing the best filters for your particular system.

The second DIY task is even easier: open the windows in your Tucson home for a few minutes per day, weather permitting. You will enjoy the gentle breeze while improving your air quality!

Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up

A well-maintained air conditioner (AC) not only cools down your home but also helps reduce extra moisture in the air.

A leaky air conditioning unit, on the other hand, can cause bacteria and mold growth.

If you want to breathe clean indoor air, keep your HVAC system in good working order. Schedule an annual tune-up for your air conditioning unit in the spring, and one for your furnace in the fall. If you use a heat pump, we recommend tune-ups in the spring and fall since it works twice as hard.

Scheduling tune-ups and inspections with ACS Air Conditioning Services helps you get the best performance from your HVAC investment. It also nips leaks in the bud and prevents a minor issue from turning into a costly disaster. And remember, upgrading your residential heating and cooling system adds comfort to your life—and value to your home.

Do I Need an Air Filtration System?

Adding a portable or whole-house air filtration system to your home’s HVAC system can do wonders toward improving your indoor air quality. These systems play many roles—certain models are designed to reduce pollen, pet dander, and other inorganic particles. Other systems—particularly ones that use ultraviolet (UV) lighting—help eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other airborne microorganisms.

If you want to eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pollen, bacteria, and other airborne pollution floating around your Arizona home, consider installing an air filtration system. While these systems will not prevent you from getting infected, they can significantly improve your air quality. Talk to one of our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services to determine which system best fits your budget and needs.

Maintain Your Air Ducts

Air ducts are like a superhighway delivering fresh air to every room in your home. Industry standards recommend you have your air ducts inspected for cleanliness, cracks, and leaks every two years and you have your ducts cleaned every five to seven years or less. By having your air ducts cleaned regularly, you will help improve the indoor air quality in your home and enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system, which may reduce energy bills.

Call Your Indoor Air Quality Experts Today!

Turn to your indoor air quality experts at ACS Air Conditioning Services to help make your Tucson, AZ, home healthier and more comfortable. Call 520-230-5668 or request service online today to schedule an appointment—nothing beats a breath of fresh air!