Why You Shouldn’t Install an Oversized Electrical Enclosure Air Conditioner
When it comes to selecting the right enclosure air conditioner, bigger is not always better. It is a common misconception to think that purchasing an over-sized unit is a good idea because you will have more than enough cooling capacity. However, an over-sized unit can actually present unexpected problems and cost you more money.
Enclosure Air Conditioner Sizing
Air conditioner sizing for electrical enclosures is based on factors such as the required cooling capacity in BTU/hour and the dimensions of the enclosure. The cooling capacity can be determined by using a BTU calculator that accounts for metrics such as:
- Dimensions
- Desired temperature
- Ambient temperature
- Heat load
- Enclosure material
- Enclosure color
- Location of the unit
After you have calculated the BTU/H, you will have the information you need to select a properly sized electrical enclosure air conditioner. Although it may be tempting to upgrade to the next larger size to ensure that you have adequate cooling, this could be a mistake that you will regret.
Some of the potential problems that arise with oversized air conditioners include:
- Loss of efficiency – Oversized air conditioners consume more electricity than properly sized units. They also cool the space in the enclosure more quickly and therefore cycle on and off more frequently. This not only decreases efficiency but also creates more temperature swings in the enclosure.
- Extra cost – An oversized air conditioner will not only cost you more upfront, it will also cost more to operate because it will not run as efficiently as a properly sized unit.
- Shorter equipment life – Because oversized air conditioners have a tendency to cycle on and off more frequently, there is more wear and tear on the equipment. Properly sizing your air conditioner is the best way to ensure that you get the most from your investment.
- Damage to electrical systems – An oversized air conditioner may have difficulty reducing humidity levels in the enclosure because the unit will not run long enough for sufficient dehumidification of the enclosure air. This increases the potential for damage to sensitive systems. A smaller, correctly sized, air conditioner will run longer on each cycle allowing time for dehumidification to take place.
If you have correctly calculated the required cooling capacity, your air conditioner should operate smoothly and efficiently for the life of the equipment.
Thermal Edge is here to help you select the properly sized electrical enclosure air conditioner for your application. We’ll work with you to calculate the heat load and make sure you select the right unit for your needs. Get a quote today to get started.
