While many homeowners may think that a larger HVAC system means more powerful heating and cooling, that’s not actually the case. Installing an air conditioner or heating system that’s too big for the needs of your Amarillo home can leave you with poor indoor air quality, uncomfortable temperatures, rising humidity, and costly repairs.
Explore what it means to have an oversized AC unit or furnace, learn the signs that indicate your system is too large, and learn the steps you can take to address the issue.
What “Oversized” Means for an HVAC System
HVAC systems come in varying sizes, measured in tons for furnaces and British Thermal Units (BTUs) for air conditioners. These measurements represent the unit’s heating or cooling capacity, or the amount of air it can heat or condition in a given time. When your furnace or air conditioner is oversized, its heating or cooling capacity is too high for the needs of your home.
The Importance of Proper AC Sizing for Amarillo’s Climate
Amarillo’s hot, humid climate makes having a correctly sized air conditioner more important than ever. An AC that’s too large cools your space too quickly without removing enough moisture from the air, while a unit that’s too small uses excess energy and struggles to reach the desired temperature.
Selecting the right-sized air conditioner helps keep your home cool, especially during the scorching summer months.
Signs You Have an Oversized AC Unit or Furnace
When your furnace or air conditioner is too big for your house, it works harder and less efficiently than it should. From constant on-and-off cycles to uncomfortably clammy conditions in your Texas home, discover the top warning signs that your system is oversized below.
Short cycling (system turns on and off frequently)
An oversized HVAC system heats or cools a space too quickly, resulting in continuous on-and-off cycles. Frequent cycling puts excess strain on the system, reducing its lifespan and leading to more frequent repairs.
Uneven temperatures throughout the house
If you walk through your home to find that some rooms are significantly colder or warmer than others, your AC or furnace may be too large for the space. Oversized units blast out air so quickly that the thermostat shuts down the system before cooling or heating reaches every room, leaving you with inconsistent temperatures in farther areas.
High humidity levels indoors
A damp feeling in your home during the hot summer months is often a sign of an oversized cooling system. Air conditioners remove moisture from the air while they run to create a cool, comfortable space. If the unit is too big, it cools the air too quickly without enough time for dehumidification.
Poor air quality
HVAC systems contain filtration systems that remove dust, allergens, and other contaminants from the air inside your home. An oversized system cycles on and off before enough air can pass through the filter, allowing these pollutants to circulate around your home and reduce indoor air quality.
Noisy HVAC
If you hear banging, rattling, or whistling noises coming from your ducts every time your HVAC system starts up, it may be oversized for your home. Oversized equipment forces air through the ductwork with excess pressure, causing loud noises and straining the system.
Shorter HVAC lifespan
While a properly sized HVAC system should last 10 to 20 years with routine professional maintenance, an oversized unit can last only eight to 12 years. Frequent cycling and added strain cause excess wear of key components, such as the blower motor and compressor, leading to early breakdown and costly repairs.
Problems Caused by an Oversized HVAC System
An HVAC system that’s too large can affect your comfort, efficiency, and budget. Some of the most common problems Amarillo area homeowners face include:
- Constant repairs: Constant short cycling puts excess strain on key components, leading to continuous and costly repairs.
- Rising energy bills: Oversized HVAC systems turn on and off more frequently, wasting energy and increasing your utility bills.
- Disrupted comfort: With uneven temperatures and rising humidity levels, an oversized system leaves your home feeling clammy, drafty, and uncomfortable.
- Early breakdown: Excess wear, added strain, and constant repairs put oversized HVAC systems at risk of early failure, leaving you with unexpected replacement costs.
How To Fix an Oversized HVAC Unit
If you suspect your HVAC system is too large for your home, contact a professional for inspection. They’ll evaluate your home size, layout, and system to determine whether it’s the appropriate size. Depending on their findings, they may recommend replacing it with a smaller unit, adjusting airflow with zoning controls, or improving your insulation to help the system operate more efficiently.
If your unit is significantly oversized, AC or furnace replacement is often the best solution. While you’ll incur high up-front costs, you’ll benefit from long-term savings thanks to lower energy consumption and fewer repair bills. You’ll also enjoy more consistent heating and cooling, improved indoor air quality, and balanced humidity levels.
Book an HVAC Assessment With Frank’s Today
Don’t let an oversized system affect your home comfort. Call Frank’s Repair Plumbing for a comprehensive HVAC assessment today. Our NATE-certified technicians will carefully evaluate your furnace and air conditioner to make sure they’re the right size for your Amarillo home and recommend solutions for enhanced efficiency. Whether your system requires replacement, repair, or optimization, we’ll provide lasting solutions that keep your Amarillo home comfortable year-round.
Call us or book online to schedule your HVAC assessment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an oversized AC unit be fixed without replacing it?
We can address an oversized AC unit by installing zoning controls, upgrading the blower, upgrading the thermostat, or enhancing insulation. While these solutions help improve the issues caused by an oversized unit, replacement is the only way to fully correct the problem.
What’s the best size AC unit for my home in Amarillo?
The right size AC depends on your home size, layout, insulation, and number of windows. Our technicians perform thorough assessments to determine the ideal cooling capacity and help select the best air conditioner for long-term comfort.
Is an oversized furnace a safety risk?
Over time, an oversized furnace can become a safety hazard. The constant on-and-off cycling can prevent your furnace from burning off all the fuel, increasing carbon monoxide levels. Worn-out components or cracks in the system can then allow these dangerous gases to leak into your home.
How many times should my HVAC cycle each hour?
Most heating or cooling cycles last 20 to 30 minutes, meaning you should hear your HVAC system kick on two to three times an hour. Extreme temperatures can cause your system to cycle more frequently as it tries to keep up, but constant short-cycling is often a sign that your unit is oversized.
