Cooling
How to think about sizing central air
Why “more tons” isn’t always better, and what to ask when replacing a central air conditioner.
Published 2026-10-23 · Last reviewed 2026-10-23
Capacity vs comfort
An oversized AC can cool the thermostat quickly while leaving humidity high. An undersized unit may run continuously on the hottest days without reaching setpoint.
Professional sizing considers orientation, shading, insulation, occupancy, and duct limitations — not only floor area.
Efficiency labels
SEER2 is a standardized efficiency metric. Use it for comparison, then ask how the proposed system will perform in your actual home.
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