Is My Air Conditioner Too Big for My Home?

Buying a larger AC system could sound like a great idea if you’re looking to bring some extra cooling power to your home. But doing this can actually create a lot of problems that end up increasing your costs while decreasing the comfort of your home.

This article will outline 4 signs you can use to figure out whether your HVAC system is too large. We’ll also tell you how to find out what size your air conditioner should be. Let’s get started.

4 Signs Your AC Unit Is Too Big For Your Home

1. Short Cycling

When an AC system is too powerful, it’ll cool your home down very quickly, shut off, and then turn back on again soon after. This is called short cycling. It’s the main reason why having an HVAC unit that’s too large for your home is a problem.

In fact – each of the following three signs on this list is caused by short cycling.

2.  High Humidity

When your HVAC unit turns on and off too quickly, it doesn’t have enough time to remove the humidity from your home’s air. This can create mold and mildew, which could damage both your help and your air conditioning system.

3. Hot and Cold Spots

Uneven temperatures are another major sign of an air conditioning unit that’s too large. When short cycling occurs, the system won’t stay on long enough to effectively cool the rooms that are farthest from the thermostat.

4. Shorter Lifespan and Higher Utility Bills

Short cycling causes more wear and tear than your HVAC system would normally experience. This means the unit won’t last as long as it would in a home that’s the correct size for it.

All of that starting and stopping also consumes more energy. So if your energy bills have gone up since you’ve installed a new AC unit, that could mean it’s not the right size for your home.

What Size Air Conditioner Is Right for My Home?

The general rule of thumb is that one ton of AC capacity can cool about 500 square feet of home. You can extrapolate that based on the size of your house.

For example, a 1,000-square-foot home would need a two-ton air conditioner, whereas a 1,500-square-foot house would need a three-ton AC unit.

However, this doesn’t take into account unique attributes of your home like its layout, insulation, or location. That’s why it’s always a good idea to consult with an HVAC professional before picking a unit size.

Indoor Air Quality Can Help You Deal with an Oversized AC System

If you think your air conditioner is too large for your home, there are a few things you can do about it, including:

• Purchasing a standalone dehumidifier
• Adding ductwork to your home
• Replacing the unit

Indoor Air Quality can help you figure out which solution is best for your situation. We’re also available to help you size your home for a new AC purchase to make sure you get it right.  Our experts are available in Highlands Ranch and throughout the Denver Metro Area. Get in touch with us today to get started.