Inconsistent Cooling: Why AC Size Matters

Your home should be a cool, comfortable place of solace away from the swelter of summer heat waves. However, AC units aren’t linear, and many are functioning incorrectly, unbeknownst to homeowners. The size of your AC unit is crucial to consistent cooling, so professional installation, regular inspections, and maintenance are paramount to your home’s energy efficiency, coolness, and comfort.

Undersized or Oversized? The Impact of a Wrong-Sized AC System

AC systems are the Goldilocks of the AC world, meaning a unit size needs to be “just right” for your home.

An undersized AC unit is always on, providing constant air because it takes longer for your home to reach the desired temperature. This can significantly drive up your energy bills, increasing wear and tear. An oversized AC unit cools a room too quickly, leaving hot spots throughout your home and failing to dehumidify the air.

Signs Your AC is the Wrong Size

Temperature inconsistencies throughout your home’s rooms are the most significant signs of a wrong-sized AC unit. Some rooms are warmer, others are cooler, and the temperature differences are varied enough to be noticeable.

Other signs that your AC unit is the wrong size include:

• On-and-off cycling. Oversized units will shut themselves off when a room is cold until warm air seeps in, and they kick on again. However, an undersized unit will run continuously because it can never wholly cool a room.
• High utility bills. AC units consume a lot of energy, but a wrong-sized system will significantly increase your power costs.
• Excessive moisture in the air. Reliable, adequately sized AC units will remove moisture, so excess humidity and a “sticky feeling” means the system runs inefficiently.
• Feeling uncomfortable with shifting temperatures in your home indicates AC sizing issues.

The Importance of Professional AC Sizing

Stand at the center of your home and feel the air. Walk from room to room. Does the temperature feel the same throughout your home with the AC running? Are you comfortably and consistently cool from one room to the next? Even minor cooling inconsistencies could wreak havoc on your home’s energy efficiency, so getting your AC unit professionally sized is essential.

A professional technician will gauge your home’s insulation levels, number of windows, local climate conditions, and square footage to determine the correct size of an AC unit. A correctly sized system will provide consistent cooling and dehumidification with energy efficiency to minimize utility bills. Correctly sized AC systems also last longer, enduring less wear and tear because they cool spaces appropriate for their loads.

The Long-Term Benefits of a Correctly Sized AC System

Improved comfort is the most significant benefit of a correctly sized AC system in your home. After a long day in the heat, your home should provide a cool, dry place to relax and unwind. Consistent comfort feels effortless when your AC system is the perfect size for your home.

Other long-term benefits include:

• Reduced, steady energy bills.Correctly sized AC systems use less energy, lowering your power bills.
• Better durability and extended longevity. Correctly sized AC units run smoother with less wear and tear, prolonging function and saving money on repairs and replacements.
• Improved indoor air quality. Correctly sized AC systems draw humidity from the air, preventing mold and bacteria growth while making air cleaner.

Conclusion: Ensuring Consistent Cooling with the Right AC Size

The right AC size is vital in keeping your home cool and comfortable this summer, so call on professionals to correctly size and install your AC unit. Give Elite a buzz for all of your HVAC needs!