Homeowners want to make their home as energy efficient as possible. And one way to do that is to understand how different aspects of their home affect their air conditioner’s efficiency. Ceiling height is one of those factors. The standard ceiling height in many American homes is eight feet. But ceilings can range anywhere from six to twelve feet. That difference can have an impact on your air conditioner’s efficiency.
How Ceiling Height Affects Air Conditioners
Higher ceilings require more energy to cool. That’s because there’s more air volume to cool in a room with a higher ceiling. So, if you have a room with a high ceiling, your air conditioner will have to work harder to keep the room cool.
Conversely, lower ceilings make it easier for air conditioners to cool a space. That’s because there’s less space for the air conditioner to cool. If you have a room with a low ceiling, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep it cool.
Strategies to Improve Air Conditioner Efficiency
You can do a few things to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency, regardless of ceiling height.
Get the Right Air Conditioner Size
The primary role of an air conditioner is to cool your home. However, getting the wrong-size air conditioner can lead to inefficiency and higher energy bills. That’s because an air conditioner that’s too small won’t be able to cool your home properly. An air conditioner that’s too big will use more energy than necessary to cool your home.
So, how do you know what size air conditioner you need? The best way is to consult with a professional who can look at your home and make a recommendation. If you haven’t contacted a professional, follow a few guidelines. For rooms with a ceiling height of fewer than eight feet, you’ll need an air conditioner with at least 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot. If the rooms have eight- to ten-foot ceilings, you’ll need an air conditioner with at least 30 BTUs per square foot. For rooms with ceilings over 10 feet, you’ll need an air conditioner with at least 40 BTUs per square foot.
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines. The best way to determine the right-size air conditioner for your home is to consult with a professional. Our experts at North Point Air Conditioning & Heating have a wealth of experience helping homeowners in Spring, Texas select the right air conditioner for their homes.
Installing Ceiling Fans
Another way to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency is to install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can help circulate the air in your home and make it feel cooler, which can take some of the strain off your air conditioner. As a result, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard and use as much energy to cool your home.
Choose the Right Air Conditioning Type
There are several different types of air conditioners on the market, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. So, choosing the right type of air conditioner for ceiling type is important.
For example, a ductless mini-split air conditioner might be a good option if you have a higher ceiling. That’s because ductless mini splits don’t require as much energy to cool a space as other air conditioners. Ductless mini-split air conditioners comprise an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handling units. They’re a good option for rooms with nine-foot or higher ceilings.
Another option to consider is a window air conditioner. Window air conditioners are a good choice for rooms with lower ceilings. That’s because they don’t require as much energy to cool a space as other air conditioners. Window air conditioners are also relatively cheap and easy to install, which makes them a good option if you are on a budget.
Finally, central air conditioners might be a great option if you have a higher ceiling and the necessary ductwork. Central air conditioning is generally the most expensive type of air conditioner, but it can be the most efficient option if you have a higher ceiling.
Get Professional Help!
At North Point Air Conditioning & Heating, we have a team of experienced professionals who can help you select the right type of air conditioner for your home in Spring, Texas. We offer various services, including heating and cooling repairs, installation and maintenance services. We also provide indoor air quality services. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
