3 Reasons To Replace A Poorly-Sized AC System

You probably don't spend much time thinking about your air conditioning system in the depths of winter, but its importance is hard to deny when the summer temperatures start to soar. Like all HVAC equipment, air conditioners rely on correct sizing to operate efficiently and effectively. A poorly-sized unit can lead to numerous problems.

Unfortunately, many homes may include incorrectly-sized AC systems, either due to poor construction or uninformed previous owners. If your home includes an undersized or oversized system, you may not want to wait for it to fail before planning a replacement. Keep reading to learn three reasons that installing a new AC can be better than living with a unit that doesn't fit your home.

1. Poor Energy Efficiency

An undersized system will need to work hard to keep up with your cooling load, so does that mean a large system will run more efficiently by cooling your home with a fraction of its maximum capacity? Unfortunately, the answer isn't nearly this straightforward. In most cases, both undersized and oversized systems will operate inefficiently.

An oversized system will typically reach your thermostat's set point more quickly, causing it to cycle faster than its intended rate. If your home isn't extremely well-insulated, this behavior can cause the system to cycle on and off numerous times in a short period, using far more energy than necessary. Installing a correctly sized system will fix this issue and help bring your utility bills back under control.

2. Comfort Issues

Undersized and oversized air conditioners can both produce issues with interior comfort. An undersized air conditioner will struggle to reach your thermostat set point on hot days, leading to an uncomfortably warm house. However, the short cycling from an oversized air conditioner can produce rapid temperature swings while failing to dehumidify the air effectively.

In addition to making your home uncomfortable, these effects may cause you to set unreasonably low set points on your thermostat to offset the higher temperatures or humidity. However, forcing your air conditioner to run longer will lead to higher utility bills and increased wear and tear. If you constantly try to account for your AC's inability to keep your home cool, it's time for a new unit.

3. High Costs

Energy efficiency isn't the only way an incorrectly sized system can cost you money. These systems tend to work harder (while still achieving poor results), ultimately placing more strain on the compressor and other critical components. As a result, systems that are too large or too small tend to fail earlier, even if relatively well-maintained.

While replacing a brand new unit may not make sense, waiting for an old, poorly-sized air conditioner to fail is not always cost-effective. Replacing it with a new, correctly-sized system right now will improve your home's comfort while helping you avoid excessive energy and maintenance costs.

For more information on air conditioning installation, contact a professional near you.


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