How Do I Pick the Right Size Air Conditioner for My Home?

For over 30 years, Ballard Natural Gas Service has been assisting residents of Seattle, Everett, Kirkland, Lynnwood, and surrounding communities to choose and install the right size air conditioner in their homes.

If this summer’s temperatures are comparable to the last few years here in the Pacific Northwest, having a reliable air conditioning system becomes paramount to maintaining your comfort.

The number of days reaching over 90 degrees has increased year after year, leaving more Puget Sound homeowners to add air conditioning to their homes.

Ballard Natural Gas Service believes homeowners should have adequate information about determining the right size AC unit if they are looking to add or upgrade an air conditioner to their Seattle homes.

From ensuring optimal cooling efficiency to avoiding unnecessary energy costs, there are several factors to consider when choosing the best air conditioner for your residence. 

Understanding the Importance of Air Conditioner Sizes

One of the most crucial aspects of selecting an air conditioner is determining the appropriate size for your home. Installing the perfectly sized AC system ensures optimal cooling efficiency and prevents unnecessary energy costs associated with oversized or undersized units. 

Trusting Ballard Natural Gas Service for your HVAC needs means receiving expert guidance to accurately size your air conditioner, ensuring maximum comfort and savings for your Greater Seattle home.

AC Capacity: Too Large or Too Small?

Many homeowners make the mistake of opting for a larger unit, assuming it will provide better cooling. However, an oversized air conditioner can lead to frequent cycling on and off, resulting in inefficient operation, increased energy consumption, and inadequate humidity control.

Conversely, an undersized unit will struggle to cool your home effectively, leading to discomfort and potentially higher energy bills as it operates continuously to try to reach the desired temperature.

Here are some factors to consider for picking the right AC unit:

• Square Footage: Begin by calculating the square footage of your home. This includes all living spaces, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. The size of your home will directly influence the capacity of the air conditioner needed.

• Insulation and Construction: Well-insulated homes will require less cooling capacity compared to older homes with poor insulation. Consider the insulation levels in your attic, crawlspaces, and floors. The construction of your home, such as the primary building material and whether your home is equipped with energy-efficient windows or doors, can also impact how well-insulated your home is.

• Climate: Outdoor temperatures can directly affect the cooling capacity of your new air conditioning unit. Mild summers with occasional, intense heat waves characterize Seattle’s climate. This means during the summer months, you want the right size air conditioner to appropriately cool your home. Factors such as the orientation of your home, the presence of shade, and the number of windows can also impact indoor temperatures and cooling requirements.

• Air Ducts: Evaluate the condition and layout of your home’s air ducts, if present. Properly sized and insulated ductwork ensures efficient airflow, contributing to the overall performance of your air conditioning system.

• Occupancy and Usage Patterns: Take into account the number of occupants in your home and their lifestyle habits. Homes with more occupants or extensive use of certain areas may require a larger cooling capacity.

Why Choose Ballard Natural Gas Service

When considering your HVAC needs in the Seattle area, Ballard Natural Gas Service stands out as the premier choice. Since our establishment in 1993, we have remained committed to providing exceptional HVAC services throughout the Puget Sound region. Our company has been driven by a passion for environmental sustainability, outstanding customer service, and superior HVAC installations.

With Ballard Natural Gas Service, you can always expect:

Experience and Expertise: With decades of experience serving the Seattle area, Ballard Natural Gas Service has established itself as a trusted provider of HVAC solutions. Our team of skilled technicians possesses in-depth knowledge and expertise in sizing and installing air conditioning systems tailored to your specific requirements. 

Personalized Recommendations: We understand every home is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to recommend the right size air conditioner for your property. Our technicians conduct thorough assessments, considering factors such as your home’s size, layout, and cooling needs, allowing us to provide tailored recommendations.

High-Quality Products: At Ballard Natural Gas Service, we partner with Trane, Mitsubishi, and other leading manufacturers to offer a wide range of high-quality air conditioning systems. From energy-efficient models to advanced features such as zoning and programmable thermostats, we ensure you have access to top-of-the-line products that deliver reliable performance and long-term savings.

Exceptional Customer Service: Our commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in every aspect of our service. From the initial consultation to installation and ongoing maintenance, we prioritize open communication, transparency, and responsiveness to address your concerns and exceed your expectations.

Energy Efficiency and Savings: By choosing the right size air conditioner for your Seattle home, you can maximize energy efficiency and minimize operating costs. With Ballard Natural Gas Service, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing we optimize your cooling system for performance and savings.

Choosing the Right Size AC with Ballard Natural Gas Service

Ballard Natural Gas Service is dedicated to delivering professional, energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions tailored to the unique climate of the Pacific Northwest, whether you reside in Seattle, Bellevue, Woodinville, Redmond, or any surrounding community. Call us today at 206-784-8101 or request service online for a free quote!