When it comes to keeping your home cool and comfortable, the size of your air conditioning unit matters more than you think. Many homeowners believe that a bigger AC means better cooling, while others assume any unit will do as long as it fits in the space. However, proper AC sizing is critical to ensuring efficiency, comfort, and longevity for your system.
At Reiner Group, we’ve been helping homeowners in Northern New Jersey choose the right air conditioning systems for over 85 years. Whether you’re replacing an old unit or installing a brand-new one, here’s why AC sizing is so important—and what happens when you get it wrong.
What Happens If Your AC Is Too Big?
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to air conditioning. If your AC unit is too large for your home, it will cool your space too quickly. While that might sound like a good thing, short cooling cycles lead to several issues:
- Inconsistent Temperatures: The unit shuts off too soon, leaving some areas of your home too warm.
- Higher Humidity Levels: A properly sized AC removes moisture from the air. An oversized unit cools too quickly to do this, leaving your home feeling sticky.
- Increased Wear and Tear: Frequent starts and stops put extra strain on the system, leading to more breakdowns and a shorter lifespan.
- Higher Energy Bills: Short cycles use more energy, increasing your electricity costs.
If your AC turns on and off frequently, leaves rooms feeling clammy, or creates uneven cooling, you might have an oversized unit.
What Happens If Your AC Is Too Small?
On the other end of the spectrum, an undersized AC struggles to keep up with your home’s cooling demands. This leads to:
- Constant Running: The system runs longer than necessary, working overtime to reach the desired temperature.
- Poor Cooling Performance: Your home never quite feels cool enough, no matter how low you set the thermostat.
- Faster Wear and Tear: Overworked components wear out quickly, leading to frequent repairs and early system failure.
- Higher Energy Costs: Because the unit runs longer, it consumes more electricity—driving up your energy bill.
If your AC never seems to reach the right temperature or struggles on hot days, it could be undersized for your home.
How to Choose the Right AC Size
The right AC size depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, layout, number of windows, and other factors. A professional HVAC technician can perform a Manual J load calculation, which determines the exact cooling capacity your home needs.
At Reiner Group, we take the time to properly assess your home’s cooling requirements, ensuring you get the perfectly sized unit for maximum efficiency and comfort.
Get the Right AC for Your Home with Reiner Group
Choosing the right AC size isn’t just about comfort—it’s about energy efficiency, long-term savings, and system performance. If you’re considering an AC replacement or installation, trust the experts at Reiner Group to find the best system for your home.
Call us today at (201) 371-7980 to schedule your consultation and ensure your next AC unit is the perfect fit!