Why it matters to you
In Charleston's humid climate, an oversized system cools the air quickly but shuts off before it removes moisture, leaving the house cold and clammy. A proper load calculation sizes equipment to your actual house rather than the old unit's tonnage or a square-foot rule of thumb.
Practical guidance
When comparing replacement quotes, ask each contractor whether they performed a load calculation and how they sized the system. Mention any changes since the original install — new windows, added insulation, a sealed crawlspace, or an addition — because they change the load.
