If your Avawam, Kentucky AC system has received annual air conditioning service, is under 10 years old, and already needs replacement, it may be oversized. Here are four classic symptoms of an oversized unit:
1. High Humidity
Oversized units don’t run long enough to dehumidify indoor air. Water vapor that condenses on the AC coil must reach a certain level, drip into the drain pan beneath the coil and exit the system through the condensate drain line. If the unit doesn’t run long enough, the moisture doesn’t drain. Instead, it evaporates and recirculates into your home.
2. Short Cycling
Because it’s so large, an oversized AC meets your home’s cooling load in ten minutes or less and then cycles off. That’s not enough time to cool and dehumidify your home, so the unit quickly cycles back on, short cycles once again, and then turns off. A smaller, properly-sized AC system stays on for about 30 minutes. It meets your home’s cooling load more slowly, and that gives it plenty of time to get the job done right.
3. Hot and Cold Spots
With an oversized AC, rooms farthest from the thermostat don’t reach the desired temperature before the unit cycles off. As a result, your home has a variety of different temperatures including hot spots that are always uncomfortable.
4. Shorter Lifespan and Higher Utility Bills
Air conditioners that are too big constantly short-cycle and suffer from excessive wear and tear. They don’t last as long as right-sized units. They also consume more energy, generate higher utility bills and require more frequent AC repairs.
Before you invest in an air conditioning installation, make sure you’re working with an HVAC contractor who will take the time to properly size your new unit. The AC installers at Appalachian Refrigeration, Heating & Cooling will perform a Manual J load calculation before providing a quote. Visit us online to learn more, or call us at (606) 436-0682 to schedule a free AC installation consultation.
