Is a Bigger HVAC System Always Better?
Is a bigger AC always better? Learn how oversized systems cause short cycling, humidity problems and uneven temperatures, and why sizing matters.
Your air conditioner is nearing the end of its life, and you may be wondering whether to upsize. After all, why not get the most powerful system you can?
In heating and cooling, bigger is not better. Before you replace your system, it helps to understand the problems that come with equipment that is too large for your home.
What Happens When AC Systems Are Too Big
Proper cooling depends on matching the air conditioner to your home's actual cooling load. That is determined by a load calculation, which looks at more than square footage, including insulation, windows, orientation and air leakage. The goal is a system that is not too big and not too small, but sized correctly. Here is why it matters.
Excess Humidity
Air conditioners remove humidity as they run. An oversized system cools the air so quickly that it shuts off before it has run long enough to pull much moisture out.
The result is air that feels cool but clammy. Extra moisture can also affect household items such as books, wood furniture and electronics.
Poor Air Quality
Higher humidity can encourage mold and mildew growth, which affects indoor air quality. An oversized system can also push more air than the ductwork was designed for, which can make existing duct leaks worse and draw unfiltered air into the system.
Poor Temperature Regulation
An oversized air conditioner does not need to run long to satisfy the thermostat. As a result, the air in your home does not have time to mix before the system shuts off.
Rooms near the thermostat or the supply vents may feel cold while other areas stay warm. Adjustments cannot fully fix this, because the equipment is simply too large for the space.
Higher Power Bills and More Wear
An oversized unit turns on and off far more often than it should. This short cycling uses more energy and adds wear to the compressor and other parts. Even a smart thermostat cannot correct cycling caused by oversized equipment.
Get the Right Size System, Not the Biggest One
Gibson Home Services sizes replacement equipment with a load calculation, not a guess based on the old unit. We diagnose first, give honest repair-versus-replace advice and offer good, better and best options for homes in Burlington County. Learn more about AC replacement, or contact us and call (856) 220-4158.
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