HVAC Myths: “Is there such a thing as an A/C unit too big?”

In our series “HVAC Myths,” we debunk common misconceptions about heating and air that homeowners everywhere have believed for years! This week, we’re talking about Air Conditioning Unit Sizing, specifically the myth that there’s no such thing as an A/C unit that is too big! Read on to learn why this is simply untrue.

The Myth:

We totally get why lots of people believe the myth,” There’s no such thing as an A/C unit that is too big!” You might think that rapidly cooling down the house could only be a good thing, but the problem is that cooling your home is not the only job your A/C unit tackles. In fact, your A/C unit does multiple things, but without enough time it can’t do both of its jobs properly.

The Facts:

Your A/C unit not only cools the home, but also dehumidifies it. This means it removes excess moisture from the air to keep your home from feeling clammy and cave-like as it gets cooler. It also helps in the reduction of moisture zones that can lead to mold growth.

Excess moisture removal takes place as air moves throughout your system, and the air will only be moving while the A/C is “on.” An oversized unit will cool the air very very quickly, but then stop moving cold air long before it has enough time to remove moisture.

The Lesson:

A properly sized A/C unit will strike the perfect balance between cooling your home in a comfortable time period and making sure this time period is long enough to also remove enough moisture. Careful and accurate sizing should be taken seriously, and a simple square footage measurement is not enough to get it right. A professional technician will use much more sophisticated sizing tools than any online calculator, and will consider factors like your regional climate, your home’s unique structure and surroundings, and what’s called a “Manual J,’ calculation.

If you’d like to know more about how to choose the right A/C unit for your home, or if you suspect your current unit is improperly sized, we want to hear from you! Visit us online or give us a call at 1-800-404-0371 to speak with a comfort specialist today.