How Many AC Units Do You Need in Your House in 2023?
When it comes to keeping your home cool in the summer, you will want to be sure to rely on your AC unit. This can allow you to avoid getting too hot when the weather outside is miserable. The key to staying comfortable inside will depend on how well your AC is functioning for you. However, how many units do you need to have in your house to maintain the comfort you desire? Knowing how to determine this may be helpful to you.
At Robert B. Payne, we can work with you to determine how many AC units your house needs. Our HVAC specialists are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to helping you stay comfortable in the summer months. We can help you figure out how many units will be required for cooling off your home. Contact us today to get started!
What is The Size of Your Home?
One of the first things that will determine how many AC units you need includes the amount of square footage of your house. The inside living space should have either one or two AC units based on the precise amount of square footage.
Be sure to talk to your HVAC professional about whether you should have one or two units to help you stay cool in the heat of summer.
Do You Have a One or Two-Story Home?
A huge determining factor about how many AC units you will need is based on if you have a house that is one story or a two story one. For one story homes, you can typically get by with a single AC unit. On the other hand, if you have a two-story house, you normally will require two units to help cool the interior of your home.
One Story Homes
A one story home is typically easy to cool since the airflow is more balanced. This means that you should be able to get away with just a single AC unit for cooling your house. However, if the one story home has a complex layout or is larger than the normal size, then you may need two units.
In most cities, a 5-ton air conditioning unit will be enough to cool a one story house with around 3,000 square feet of living space. Our HVAC technicians can help you figure out the best size for your one-story home. If you have a house that is bigger than 3,000 square feet or has additional requirements for cooling, then you may need two units.
You may also require two air conditioning units if some rooms in your home are isolated from the others. In such a case one unit may not provide your home with an all-round uniform temperature. If you insist on one unit, you may end up spending too much on energy costs since the unit will have to run almost round the clock to keep the whole house cool and comfortable for all the occupants.
Two Story Homes
In general, homes with two stories will often require one unit per floor to cool both floors evenly. This is because the upstairs floors can become much hotter due to the warm air rising from downstairs. Having an AC unit on each level of your home can help to keep both the upstairs and downstairs cooler to keep you more comfortable.
But this will have to be decided on a case-by-case basis. Factors to consider include the size of your home, the size, age, and current condition of your HVAC systems, as well as any other considerations that could impact the efficiency and performance of your AC units.
If you have only one AC unit cooling two floors, the AC unit will cool the bottom floor quicker than the upper floor and the upper floor will likely not reach the set temperature. You can overcome this problem by investing in a zoned system. A zoned system is designed to distribute air evenly throughout the home and allow you to control temperatures in different areas. It makes use of dampers placed in the ductwork to control the flow of cooled air so that even after the lower floor has reached the set temperature, the unit still continues to cool the upper floor.
Zoning Versus Two AC Units
If you have two stories, then it is usually best to invest in two AC units. But if your two story home is not so large, you may be able to utilize zoning as opposed to purchasing two AC units. Zoning can sometimes be as effective and more cost-efficient than having two AC units. You only have to worry about cleaning, maintaining, and repairing one unit. You’ll also only require one ductwork system and two thermostats. On the downside, if you only have one AC unit, you do not have a backup in case of a mechanical breakdown. You also need longer ductwork since every room has to be connected to a single spot where the AC unit is located.
In the case of two AC units, if one unit fails, the other can take over to keep your home cool and comfortable. Using two units also means that you can purchase smaller units since each unit has to cool a smaller area. This can save you in terms of installation costs and energy consumption. You’ll also only require shorter ductwork since each unit will be connected to an area of your home.
Ultimately, it is best to speak to an HVAC technician when deciding how many AC units you need for your home. They can provide you with the best advice based on the size and layout of your house, as well as other important considerations.
Figuring out how many AC units your house needs is an important part of maintaining a comfortable living environment during the hot summer months. It is best to consult with a professional HVAC technician at Robert B. Payne who can help you make the correct decision.
Our HVAC technicians can help you decide on how many AC units you need for your home and the best type of system for your needs. Contact us today for more information about our services. We will be glad to help you stay comfortable throughout the summer months!
Contact Us to Handle Your AC Needs
At Robert B. Payne, Inc., we’re HVAC experts and will do what it takes to ensure you obtain the right number of AC units to help keep you cool year-round. Be sure to give us a call at 540-373-5876 to schedule an appointment with us today!