When shopping for a new air conditioner, most homeowners are focused on the price tag; however, choosing the right sized unit is equally important in order to ensure that you get the most out of your investment. An air conditioner that is too big or too small for the size of your home will work harder, which will reduce its life span and cost you more to operate. An improperly sized unit will also not maintain the temperature and humidity in your home at optimal levels, so you will not be as comfortable. Understanding the basics of air conditioner sizing will also help you to compare apples to apples as you price various units.