Is Your Air Conditioner Sized Correctly?

When homeowners consider replacing their air conditioner or installing an air conditioner in their new home, they are often quick to assume that the bigger the system is, the better. This is unfortunately not the case, as a larger unit can create unforeseen problems and end up costing you more in the long run.

The problem with an amateur installation, or a do-it-yourself job is that you don’t have professionals there conducting a much-needed cooling load calculation on your home. Simply going by the size of the previous AC system that was in the home or selecting one that “seems” to be the right size is a big mistake.

What Happens if an AC System Is Too Large?

When an air conditioner is too large for the space that it is cooling, it goes through a process called short-cycling. This is when it shuts on and off frequently, making the air conditioner work harder than it should have to but without actually cooling the room effectively.

Over time this wears down on the system, necessitating repairs and potentially leading to premature system failure. Short-cycling can also snowball into a number of other air conditioner issues, which we’ve highlighted below.

Poor Humidity Control: When functioning properly, an air conditioner removes humidity from the air. However when a system is short-cycling, it never runs long enough to actually dry out the air effectively, which can lead to structural damage to your home as well as health problems.

Mold Development: Due to the excess moisture present, mold has more of a potential to develop. This is especially true when it comes to your ductwork. Mold tends to develop in cool, dark environments, of which your air ducts provide.

Increased Allergy Symptoms: As a result of mold development, those who suffer from asthma or allergies may see an increase in their symptoms. Mold spores in the air can make even the healthiest person ill as it negatively impacts your overall indoor air quality.

For professional and accurate air conditioner installation in Richmond, TX, contact Fresh Air, LP today.