Can My HVAC Unit Be Too Big For My Home?

Proper sizing is important with any HVAC system. This is especially true with an air conditioning unit. Granted, it’s natural to assume it’s better to have an HVAC unit that’s too big than to have one that’s too small. But, this isn’t the case. In fact, an HVAC system that includes an air conditioner can be as problematic if it’s too big. We explain why below.

Higher Indoor Humidity Levels

An air conditioner that’s too big isn’t going to remove excess humidity from your home. With an AC unit, a bigger system won’t run long enough to direct excess moisture to the drain pan below the coil. This means there’s not enough extra indoor moisture getting out of your home’s air. As a result, you’ll have higher indoor humidity levels even when your AC is running.

Cycles That Are Too Short

If an HVAC system is too big, cycles run short. Oftentimes, this means cycles that run for about ten minutes or less. A correct-sized air conditioner should run for about 30 minutes. This helps to cool indoor spaces in a steady and effective way. Short cycles make it difficult or impossible to achieve proper inside comfort levels.

Hot or Cold Spots

Any oversized HVAC system can leave you with uneven indoor temps. What this does is make it uncomfortable in certain indoor spaces. If we’re talking about AC, an oversized unit could leave you with a kitchen that’s always too hot. This is especially true when you’re cooking or using the oven. It may also be difficult to maintain optimal comfort in higher parts of your home.

Higher HVAC-Related Costs

When a unit is too big, the shorter cycles use more energy. This translates to higher utility bills related to your HVAC. The correct-sized HVAC unit is going to be much more energy efficient. This rewards you with lower utility costs.

Premature System Replacement

The constant short-cycling typical with oversized HVAC units causes excess wear and tear. If this happens on a long-term basis, you could end up needing a new system much sooner than what’s average. For air conditioners, this is about 15 to 20 years, and with furnaces the general lifespan is about 20 years. At the very least, having a wrong-sized unit is going to need more frequent repairs.

What to Consider with HVAC Size

When determining the right HVAC size for your home, multiply the length and width of the area or room. Multiply what you get by 25 BTUs. Doing so gives you the ample cooling temperature for the area or room that needs cooled. Other factors to consider with sizing include:

• The size of your home
• The specific areas where you spend most of your time
• Your personal preferences with indoor comfort
• The weather conditions common in your area

Call Us Today

If you have a unit that may be too big for your home, call an HVAC professional from Thornton Heating Services. We can determine if this may be the case. If AC size is an issue, we’ll help you choose a new or replacement system that’s the appropriate size for your home. Contact an HVAC professional from our team today to discuss your home comfort needs.