What Happens If You Have an Oversized Air Conditioner?

Bigger may be better when it comes to many things, but air conditioners are not among them. In fact, an oversized air conditioner presents several problems. In today’s post, local HVAC installation company ACS Air Conditioning Systems takes a look at what happens when you choose an oversized air conditioner. 

The Importance of Proper AC Sizing

A new air conditioner has to be sized just right for your home — neither too big or too small. Before HVAC technicians can recommend an AC model, they must first calculate the total floor area of all the living spaces in the house. The air conditioner has to be able to meet the house’s basic cooling needs. Choose one that’s too small and it will need to be run at full capacity more often. The constant strain on the AC unit will cause frequent breakdowns, and perhaps even a premature failure. The cost of HVAC repairs can put a significant dent in your budget.

What Happens If You Get an Oversized Air Conditioner?

Going the other way and choosing an oversized conditioner can present its own set of problems.

• Short cycling. An oversized conditioner will be overly efficient in that it will reach the desired room temperatures too fast, which results in shortened cooling cycles. The stop-start operation caused by these short cycles can put increased strain on the air conditioner, much like what happens when it is undersized.

• Humid indoor spaces. Cool air is a natural dehumidifier. A short-cycling air conditioner won’t be able to cool your home consistently, which raises your home’s relative indoor humidity. In addition to causing condensation on windows and making the air feel clammy, high humidity levels can encourage mold growth.

• High utility bills. Short cooling cycles ultimately have the same effect as turning the air conditioner on and off instead of programming the thermostat: it consumes more energy than necessary, which results in higher utility costs.

Contact ACS for Your Heating & Cooling Needs

ACS Air Conditioning Systems is the most trusted HVAC service provider in the East Bay area. Give us a call at (925) 676-2103 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.