As the weather gets warmer, your energy bills go up. Your AC uses a lot of electricity each season. How much does it need, though, and how can you reduce it? A number of factors can affect AC wattage. Here’s what you need to know.
AC Wattage and Sizing
It takes about 1 ton of cooling capacity per hour to cool 600 square feet of space. That means a 2,000-square-foot home would need an AC with approximately a 3.5-ton capacity. For a central AC, it takes about 1,000 watts of electricity for every ton of cooling produced, so a 3.5-ton AC would use about 3,500 watts per hour.
There are other factors that affect what size AC you need, such as how much direct sunlight you get through your windows, the materials your home is made from, and even ceiling height. That’s why it’s essential when buying a new AC unit to make sure your HVAC contractor sizes it correctly. A unit that’s too small or too big for your home will use more electricity and not provide as much cooling, running up your energy bills, wearing out the system, and ultimately leaving your home uncomfortable.
AC Wattage and SEER
To reduce the electricity your AC uses, consider investing in a more efficient system, which produces the same amount of cooling for less wattage. To find the most efficient system available, look at the SEER rating.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio tells you how much cooling the unit will produce for the amount of energy it uses in a given season. The higher the SEER rating, the lower the AC wattage. Central ACs in Indiana must have SEER ratings of 14 or higher. Ratings go up to 26 SEER, but those units are often very expensive. For the best value, find a system rated between 15 and 18. It will reduce electricity usage and save money while still being reasonably priced.
To ensure an efficient system with the correct AC wattage for your home, contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We provide Indianapolis with quality home-comfort solutions.
