Signs Your AC System Is Too Big or Oversized

How did you feel when you bought a new air conditioning system?

Did you feel confident in your decision or did you struggle to choose between all of the makes and models on the market today?

Choosing the right air conditioning system for your home is no easy feat, especially if you don’t have the assistance of a professional HVAC technician. And unfortunately, many homeowners find themselves questioning whether or not they purchased an air conditioning system that is too big for their home after it has been installed.

If you’re in the same boat, learn the signs that your air conditioning system is too big here:

4 Signs of an Oversized AC Unit

Think your air conditioning system is oversized? Look for any of these four signs:

1. Short Cycles

Oversized air conditioners don’t work as well because they meet the “cooling load” of a home too soon and don’t cycle as long as a result. When air conditioning systems cycle correctly, they will turn on and run until the home reaches the temperature set on the thermostat. The air conditioning system will then shut off with the entire process taking around 15 to 20 minutes.

On the other hand, an air conditioning system that is too large will run in cycles of 8 to 10 minutes. This is because the system will quickly cool the air around the thermostat (especially if the thermostat is close to the air handler) without properly cooling the entire space. This causes the system to shut off without running long enough to cool the furthest rooms in the house.

2. Temperature Inconsistencies

Not only will oversized air conditioners have short cycles, but the cycles will be frequent and cause temperature inconsistencies. An oversized air conditioning system will struggle to keep your entire home at the desired temperature and you will likely notice that certain rooms just don’t ever seem to be comfortable.

3. High Humidity Indoors and Possible Mold

Another side effect of an oversized air conditioner is that your house won’t be properly dehumidified. When your air conditioner is only cycling for a few minutes at a time, that doesn’t give the unit enough time to remove the water vapor from the air. It takes a cycle between 20 and 30 minutes for any unit to be able to condition and dehumidify the air. As a result, you may notice mold growth develop on walls or ceilings.

4. Increased Electricity Bills

When your air conditioning system is constantly starting and stopping during short cycles, things can get expensive. If you’ve noticed your energy bills are higher than usual, your air conditioning system could be to blame.

How to Find the Right-Sized AC System for Your Home

Buying a big air conditioning system seems like it would cool your home faster, right? While this might sound logical, air conditioning systems simply don’t work that way. At the end of the day, a teeny-tiny studio apartment has different cooling and heating needs than a 10,000 square-foot commercial space, so you need to find the right air conditioning system for your home’s unique size and layout.

While you should check with your local HVAC professional before you invest in any air conditioning system, there is an easy way you can calculate the approximate size system for your home’s needs. A good rule of thumb is that one ton of AC capacity will cool approximately 500 square feet. This means if your home is 2,000 square feet, a three to four-ton unit will probably be the best option for your home.

Replace Oversized Air Conditioner in Central Florida

If you suspect that your air conditioning system is too large for your home, the HVAC professionals at Energy Air are here to help. We offer free in-home consultations where we will identify the cause of issues with your HVAC system. It’s our zero-pressure way of creating a comfort solution that meets your home’s unique needs. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today or schedule your free estimate online.