There’s nothing like walking into your house on a hot summer day and enjoying cold, refreshing air. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case for homeowners with an HVAC system that is too small or large—a relatively common issue. Being able to recognize that your air conditioner is the wrong size is the first step to fixing this problem. Here’s what you need to know. 

How to Tell If Your HVAC System Is Too Small or Large

1. Your Home Isn’t as Cool as You’d Like

There are a variety of reasons why your system may not cool your home properly, such as a refrigerant leak, dirty filter, clogged condensate drain, or faulty compressor. Before determining that your AC is the wrong size, have an HVAC contractor look into these issues. Once they’ve been ruled out, ask the technician about the system size. 

2. High Humidity & Mold

When an AC is too large, it will cycle for short periods, often three to four minutes. However, it takes around 20 minutes for an HVAC system to dehumidify the air in your home. As a result, an oversized air conditioner can lead to high indoor humidity levels, as well as mold growth. The latter commonly develops in bathrooms, basements, and near plumbing pipes. You may also smell a musty odor or notice small black spots on your walls. 

3.  Inconsistent Temperatures

If you have an AC that’s undersized, you’ll notice temperature inconsistencies from room to room. The system won’t be strong enough to bring cold air to the entire house, especially areas that are far away from the air conditioner. In particular, look for rooms that are consistently too warm. However, keep in mind that if your kitchen or laundry room is hotter than other areas, it may be due to heat-generating appliances, such as an oven, stove, washer, or dryer. 

If you suspect that your HVAC system is too small or large for your home, contact the technicians at Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning. Serving Akron, OH, they’ve been in business for more than 44 years, so they have the experience to ensure that your home stays comfortable year-round. In addition to installations, they offer regular maintenance, as well as 24/7 emergency repairs. Call (330) 644-7811 to speak to a team member, or visit them online to learn more.