Why Does Size Matter in Air Conditioning?

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By Jason Wall, an HVAC technician with Griffith Heating and Air

Throughout my decades of experience in installing and maintaining HVAC systems for residential and commercial clients, it’s troubling to see how often properties are equipped with inappropriately sized equipment. Many businesses install oversized units that would likely be overkill for properties twice their size, or they inherit the system from a previous business whose needs in the building were entirely different to that of the current owner.

This can happen frequently with residential consumers as well; many less reputable HVAC companies consider it their professional duty to move the most expensive units as quickly as they can without much regard for how appropriate the equipment is for the respective property.

While I’d prefer to see greater consumer education on behalf of firms, it’s often up to clients themselves to determine the greatest fit for their property. It’s also a good idea to double-check a contractor’s homework, which makes identifying the ideal air conditioner for your property an essential skill in managing property these days.

If you’re experiencing efficiency issues and aren’t sure if size is the issue at the heart of it, watch for these common A/C problems in your home or building.

What problems can I experience from an improperly sized system?

When it comes to purchasing, bigger is certainly not always better. Many believe in the logic that a more powerful system is always ideal, but in truth, oversized units will cycle on and off rapidly since they reach required temperatures in smaller spaces far more quickly than areas that they were designed for.

This causes a massive waste of energy during regular use and wears down your electrical components far more quickly than a less expensive system that is better suited for your environment. In addition, oversizing can result in humidity problems. If it is serious enough to cause condensation to bead, it may develop into a nasty mold problem throughout your property later down the road.

Conversely, an undersized system presents several other complications. To remedy this situation, it may require not only a bigger unit, but a larger duct work system to accommodate your heavier airflow. Pushing a smaller system to reach a larger-than-recommended area will result in a shorter lifespan and slower cooling capacities.

How can I determine what size is right for me?

Before you can determine with precision what size will work for you, you’ll need to know the square feet of the area you want to condition. Depending on the presence of passive solar design elements (which mitigate the heat of sunlight), you may get by with a weaker system than usually required for your area. Next, you’ll have to factor in the climate of the region that you live in. Naturally, residents in New York will require a different system than those in Texas or Florida since their climate control needs will differ.

For help on determining the capacity you’ll require of your system when looking for a new A/C unit, see the Energy Star guide.