Bigger isn’t always better – and it holds true with the air conditioning unit. Many things can go wrong if you install an A/C that’s bigger than what your room needs.
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Problems When You Install an Oversized A/C
Air conditioning size isn’t measured based on the physical dimension, rather on its cooling capacity. For maximum comfort, the A/C’s cooling capacity should match the size of the room to be cooled. Otherwise, you’ll likely need to get A/C repair services because the unit will experience the following:
Frequent Short Cycling
Many things can cause an air conditioning unit to short cycle or turn off and on frequently, one of which is the wrong size. An air conditioning unit with a cooling capacity that exceeds the requirement of your room or home would blast that space with cool air. It may sound like a good thing, but it’s not. It prevents the unit from completing a cooling cycle, which can result in many other problems.
A full cooling cycle happens when your A/C kicks on to the time the unit reaches the temperature you set at the thermostat, and it kicks back off again.
Higher Electric Bills
An oversized air conditioning unit will start up and shut down more frequently because it can meet the thermostat set point quickly. Once it reaches the setting you set, the unit will go through turning on and off again.
An A/C comprises several motors that run various components, and they all draw in more power when starting up. So since an oversized A/C will likely turn on and off frequently, the unit will use more electricity to operate, resulting in higher energy bills.
Increases the Risk of A/C Damage
This is an additional consequence of frequent short cycling. Air conditioning units aren’t designed to turn on and off frequently, but it has to when it’s too big for your space to keep your home comfortable.
When the unit short cycles far too often, it is likely to experience wear and tear. You will likely need to get A/C repair services or a replacement unit.
High Humidity Level
Air conditioning systems are designed to remove moisture in the air through condensation. But the unit needs to complete a cooling cycle for the condensation process to happen successfully.
An oversized A/C usually short-cycles, which mean the condensation process won’t happen, and the unit won’t be able to dehumidify your space properly. Aside from being uncomfortable, a humid living environment will be a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Uneven Cooling
An oversized air conditioning system will cool your home faster. It will create hot and cold spots throughout your home, making the indoor temperature uncomfortable.
What to Do When You Have Oversized A/C
You can only do a few things once an oversized air conditioning unit is installed on your property.
If your room or house is too humid, buying a stand-alone dehumidifier may help remove the excess moisture in the air.
The short cycling problem, however, would be harder to solve. In this case, you either get A/C repair services whenever the system fails, wait for the system to shut down completely, or get a replacement.
The latter may be expensive, but the return of investment is usually worth it since you won’t have to pay for high electric bills, live or work in a humid environment, and be uncomfortable in a room with hot or cold spots.
Install the Right A/C
If you’re renovating your existing home, building a new house, or want to replace your existing air conditioning unit, pay attention to the A/C sizing. Hire an A/C installer who is knowledgeable and experienced for the job.
Call the experts at All About Care Heating & Air, Inc., for your A/C installation needs.