Why Installing A Larger AC Than You Need Could Be A Bad Idea

If you need to replace your old air conditioner, you may be tempted to get a larger one next time so your home stays extra cool. It seems like a larger air conditioner would cool your home better while running less. However, the opposite is true. An air conditioner that's too large can cause all kinds of problems. Here are some of the negative effects of installing an air conditioner that's too large for your home.

The AC Short Cycles

When an air conditioner of the right size cycles on, it usually runs for several minutes before shutting off again. Then, there's a long delay before it kicks back on. When an AC is too large, it reaches the set temperature on the thermostat faster so it doesn't run as long. However, the AC also has to kick back on sooner since it doesn't have enough time to take humidity out of the air, so a larger air conditioner turns on and off several more times during the day than an AC that's sized just right.

This overworks the air conditioner, and that causes it to break down more frequently and wear out sooner. If you install an AC that is too large, then you'll probably pay more in repair and maintenance in the coming years. Also, a larger AC costs more initially, so it is more expensive all the way around.

Humidity Stays Too High In Your House

An air conditioner makes your home cooler and drier. Lowering the humidity in your house is an important aspect of making your home cooler. An air conditioner dries out the air when condensation forms in the AC and drains out of your house. A unit that's the right size runs longer so more air can pass through the AC each time and have moisture removed. Since a larger air conditioner has a shorter run time, less humidity is taken out of the air.

The summer months are usually more humid, and the extra humidity could cause problems in your home. For one, the larger AC may not keep you as cool if the humidity stays too high. Also, high humidity can attract bugs and promote the growth of mold. When humidity stays high for a long time, the moisture can affect the furniture and building materials in your home too by causing rust, warping, and peeling paint.

Problems Might Arise With The Ducts

When you upgrade to a larger AC, you'll probably have to replace the ducts too, which further adds to the expense. Running an air conditioner with ducts that are too small can lead to failure of air conditioner parts due to the stress on the system. It can also cause dust and air from the attic to be pulled through gaps in the ducts due to the pressure that's created. This might cause odors and dust to spread through your house.

Switching to a larger air conditioner could end up costing a lot of money and your home may not be any cooler than it is now. Consider adding insulation to improve the cooling of your home instead, and talk to an air conditioning contractor for advice on choosing the right size AC for your home.


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