As a homeowner, you probably understand that the size of your air conditioning system components is a critical factor in how well it will perform, as well as the monthly cost to operate it. But what you may not understand is that your current air conditioning system may not be correctly sized for your home. If you are preparing to replace your existing AC components, the following information can help answer any questions you may have about HVAC sizing and ensure that your new system is correctly sized to offer the best cooling experience. 

How can homeowners tell if their current AC system is undersized? 

In homes where the square footage has been increased or other types of design changes have been made, the existing air conditioning system may actually be too small to deliver a good cooling experience. When an AC system is too small for the space it must cool, it will noticeably struggle as it attempts to perform its job. Instead of cycling on and off regularly, as it should, an undersized AC system will typically run for extended cycles or may even run continuously without cycling off, both of which will waste energy and cause excessive wear on the system's components. 

What happens if homeowners install an air conditioning system that is too large? 

Homeowners who are preparing to replace an inefficient or troublesome air conditioning system may feel it wise to purchase a larger system. Unfortunately, installing a system that is too large for the space does not provide a better cooling experience. Instead, systems that are too large often cycle on and off too rapidly to effectively remove humidity and maintain the desired level of cool comfort in the interior of the home. 

As the system cycles on and off more often, electrical switches receive excessive wear from the surge of power that accompanies each system start. Because the system shuts off so quickly after startup, humidity levels inside the home quickly become uncomfortable and homeowners may even notice the formation of condensation on windows and mirrors in the home. 

How are residential air conditioning systems sized?

While there are generic formulas online to help homeowners estimate the size of air conditioning system they should install, it is best to have the calculation made by a reputable AC contractor. These professionals will look at a variety of factors, including the regional climate, insulation, and air loss levels, internal heat gain, number of home occupants, and the design of the home, to help homeowners select and install the size of air conditioning system that best fits their cooling needs. 

For more information, reach out to a business that provides air conditioning replacements.