What Homeowners Can Expect From an Oversized AC Unit
An air conditioner that is too powerful for a home can lead to inconsistent temperatures, with some rooms too hot and others too cold, and a cooling services technician should be consulted to assess the unit.
When in the market for a new air conditioner, one might think a larger unit will do a better job of cooling the home. However, this is a common misconception. A big air conditioner is not the best option for the hot summer months. This blog explores the risks associated with an air conditioner that is too large for a home.
Frequent Short Cycling
If an air conditioner is efficient, its cycles should last seven to ten minutes. There is an issue with whether the cycles are longer or shorter. Longer cycles are rare, but short cycles are common with units that are too large. Short cycling is not a problem in itself, but it can damage the air conditioner, especially if it occurs frequently. It accelerates the wear and tear of the equipment, necessitating costly repairs.
Inconsistent Comfort
An air conditioner's sole job is to maintain the home at the appropriate temperature, as indicated on the thermostat. Unfortunately, an overly powerful system will struggle to achieve this. One might notice that one room is usually too hot while others are too cold or at the right temperature. If the temperature in the home is never comfortable or consistent, it's likely that the air conditioner is too large for the house. To confirm this, contact a cooling services technician to assess the unit.
Excess Humidity
When it comes to humidity, a large air conditioner won't be much help. The system will only run for a few minutes at a time due to its size. While a few minutes may be sufficient to cool the rooms, it's not enough time to provide dehumidification. When in the market for a new AC unit, focus on efficiency rather than size.
Increase in Electricity Bills
The budget for energy expenditures will suffer if the air conditioner is short-cycling repeatedly. If there is a significant rise in energy bills, the size of the unit could be to blame. To be sure, have it inspected first to rule out potential issues.
Solution for an Oversized Air Conditioner
A heating and air conditioning contractor should assess the square footage of the home's overall space and evaluate a wide range of elements, such as current ducting design and the local climate, to correctly match the home's new heating and air system with its expected cooling demands. If it's possible that the home's heating and air system is too large, contact a professional to evaluate the air conditioner and perform a cooling load estimate. These professionals can help determine if the system is oversized.
Above and Beyond Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio residential and commercial heating and air conditioning company dedicated to providing the highest level of home comfort. Call us today at 210-897-8658.
