With a Cincinnati summer just around the corner, you may be considering installing a new cooling system. But before you get distracted by all of the new, high-efficiency features, it's wise to go back to the basics and have a professional conduct a load calculation to determine your home's exact cooling and dehumidification requirements. 

Why should I worry about a load calculation?

When installing a new cooling system, some Cincinnati homeowners make the mistake of thinking that bigger is better. Unfortunately, a system that's too large for your home's needs will cycle on and off frequently as it quickly blasts cooled air into your house, and then must shut down until the temperature rises again. Ultimately, this leads to poor efficiency and an inability to adequately remove moisture from the air. Higher humidity levels will result in clammy conditions, and can even lower indoor air quality by promoting the growth of mold and mildew. On the other hand, cooling equipment that's too small for your home won't keep you comfortable at all. In order to find the air conditioner or heat pump that's just right, insist that your HVAC technician perform a load calculation. 

What's involved with a load calculation?

The most commonly utilized load calculation tool is known Manual J. It's smart to confirm that your technician is utilizing the latest Manual J procedures approved by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This procedure will require your technician to take a number of factors into consideration when calculating your home's cooling needs such as:

• Your Cincinnati, Ohio climate
• Your home's square footage
• Your home's orientation 
• Number of windows and window locations
• Heat-producing appliances
• Number of household occupants 
• Level of insulation
• Roofing materials
• Duct leakage
• Duct heat gains and loss

For more helpful advice on installing a new cooling system, contact the professionals at JonLe Heating & Cooling. Proudly serving residents of Butler County and the Greater Cincinnati area.

Image via Shutterstock.com