Standards for Proper AC Sizing

It’s a misconception that all it takes to make a home efficient and environmentally friendly is to replace an old air conditioner with a newer model. Without properly sizing an air conditioner to the living space, the system could consume 30 to 40 percent more energy than it would if the equipment was properly sized, the ductwork was properly designed and the refrigerant level was accurate.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has developed a nationally recognized quality installation (QI) standard that codifies design and installation, which includes evaluation of the environment outside the unit that can further influence the efficiency of an air conditioning system.

Four core areas characterize a quality installation: design, distribution, equipment installation, and system documentation and owner education.

Design aspects cover the procedures and tasks performed before the equipment is installed such as ventilation and building heat gain/loss load calculations.

Distribution aspects apply to the delivery elements within the air conditioning system. This includes the ductwork and air and water flow balance involved with system functionality.

Equipment installation aspects focus on the air and water flow through heat exchangers, refrigerant charge and electrical requirements for the equipment.

System documentation and owner education aspects provide best practices for instructing the consumer on proper system operation, maintenance requirements and warranty procedures and responsibilities.

The QI standard promotes efficiency through proper installation of equipment and ensures that the equipment is the right fit for the space being cooled or heated. When you’re looking for an air conditioning upgrade, contact Fsi Oil and Propane to size up your home properly and help find the right air conditioning system for you.