Is Oversized Equipment the Source of Your Problems?

The Truth About Oversized Equipment: Why You Need to Make Sure Your Heating and Air Conditioning Units Are the Right Size for Your Property

A common misconception about heaters and air conditioners is that bigger is always better. According to some, larger units work more efficiently and have the power to move temperature-controlled air where it needs to go much faster than larger units.

The truth is larger units aren’t the answer to better heating and cooling. In fact, smaller systems are often the best way to improve indoor air quality. The trick to getting the best, most efficient heating and cooling is to install equipment that matches the size of your property. While getting a bigger, flashier system can be tempting, it’s important to know the real downsides that these units come with.

Oversized Equipment Costs You Money

While the assumption is that larger units save you money by getting you more efficient heating and cooling, the facts say otherwise. Oversized equipment uses more energy and is more prone to breakdowns, which can leave you dealing with sky-high utility bills and repair costs. Here are just a few of the ways oversized equipment just isn’t worth the price:

• Bigger equipment means bigger parts, which need more energy to move and start cycling air
• Oversized equipment needs to shut down and startup more frequently, a process known as short-cycling, which wastes even more power
• Oversized air conditioners don’t dehumidify as well, which can lead to more breakdowns

You Won’t Feel Comfortable

Aside from costing you money, oversized heaters and air conditioners also fail to do the thing you purchased them to do in the first place – keep you warm and cool. Oversized air conditioners short-cycle so frequently that they don’t have time to dehumidify your air, leaving you to deal with excess moisture in the air and sometimes even leading to mold growth. Meanwhile, oversized heaters pump hot air into your interior so fast that your thermostat can’t keep up with the temperature changes. This can leave you overheated and unable to properly control your indoor climate.

Spot the Signs that Your Heater or AC Unit Is Too Big

If you’re buying a new unit, always check with a licensed HVAC technician to make sure your unit fits the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s heating and cooling size protocol. If you already have a heater or air conditioning unit installed, check for the following warning signs:

• You start up your AC only for it to stop cycling 15-20 minutes later
• Inconsistent indoor temperatures
• High humidity indoors
• Mold
• Increased utility bills

If you notice these signs, our licensed Charlottesville HVAC team at All-Temp Heating & Cooling, LLC can help you get a properly sized unit that can get you better air at lower prices. Call us at (540) 999-1656 today!