Key takeaways
- Oversized systems short-cycle and leave air humid
- Undersized systems run constantly and still lose
- A load calculation looks at the whole house
- Ducts must also be able to carry the air
What goes into sizing
Square footage is a start. Insulation, window area and direction, ceiling height, air leakage, duct condition and how many people live in the house all change the load. Two homes of the same size can need very different equipment.
That is why matching the old unit or using a square-foot rule often misses.
Why oversizing hurts
An oversized system cools the air quickly and shuts off before it has removed much moisture, leaving the house cool but clammy. It also cycles more, which wears parts and raises noise.
A right-sized system runs longer at lower output and holds temperature and humidity better.
Check the ducts too
Even perfect equipment cannot overcome ducts that are too small or leaky. A sizing visit should include a look at the ducts and airflow.
Try the Tonnage Finder for a range, and ask us for a full load calculation.
Related services
Quick answers
What is a ton of cooling?
A ton is a unit of cooling capacity equal to twelve thousand BTUs per hour. It is not a weight.
Can I size a system myself?
A rough estimate is possible, but a proper load calculation considers many details that are easy to miss.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.