What Happens if Your Air Conditioning System Is Oversized?

When it comes to choosing a new air conditioner to replace the old one in your home, you might think about going with a unit that’s larger than needed to maintain the right cooling temperatures. However, an oversized AC can lead to numerous issues, not only affecting your comfort but also for your wallet. Perfect Degree HVAC delves into the specifics of these problems and explains why size really does matter when considering AC replacement.

Increased Cooling Bills and Inefficiency

You’d naturally assume that a larger AC unit would provide more efficient cooling. However, it has the tendency to work harder than necessary to cool down the space. This inefficiency translates into higher cooling bills during the summer months. Instead of enjoying a comfortably cool home for less, you may find yourself paying more for a cooling performance that’s not necessarily improved.

Excess Humidity and Potential Mold Growth

A properly sized AC unit runs cycles long enough to effectively remove excess humidity from the air. However, an oversized unit turns on and off frequently — also known as short cycling — leaving the air uncomfortably humid. This not only leads to a clammy environment but also encourages the growth of mold, particularly in the ductwork, which can pose health risks and would require professional cleaning services to address.

Frequent Cycling and Its Drawbacks

As already stated above, an oversized AC unit tends to short cycle. This puts the system under undue stress, leading to potential overheating and damage while also coming up short in cooling your home evenly.  but also fails to evenly cool the home. A properly sized AC equipment works in cycles lasting around seven to 10 minutes — anything shorter than that is a clear sign that it may be too large for the living space.

Uneven Temperature Distribution

An oversized air conditioner struggles to distribute cool air evenly throughout a home. This results in hot spots, where some areas remain warm and others are too cool, leading to discomfort and the constant adjustment of the thermostat in an attempt to find a balance.

Premature Wear and Tear

Though it may seem counterintuitive, an oversized AC unit will not last as long as one that’s correctly sized for the space it serves. The strain of short cycling and ineffective operation leads to premature wear and tear. Apart from increased repair costs, there’s also the likelihood of it failing early in its life span, necessitating premature replacement.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Before making a decision that could impact your comfort and your wallet, consider a consultation with Perfect Degree HVAC. When you choose us for your HVAC replacement needs, we’ll make sure to consider your home’s layout and size to determine the proper size of your new equipment. You can reach us today at (610) 529-7372, or reach us online to schedule a consultation.