You
may think bigger is better when it comes to your HVAC system. A huge
system should be able to quickly cool or heat your home.
Unfortunately, if your system is too big or small, it can cause a lot
of complications, especially wasted money. If you've been having
issues with your HVAC system, check out these four complications of
an incorrectly sized HVAC system.
1.
Extra Wear and Tear
Normal
wear and tear is common, and it's the reason a HVAC system can't last
forever. With good care, your furnace should last about 15
to 20 years,
and your air conditioning unit should last 10 to 15 years. Of course,
if the system experiences more wear and tear than normal, this can
age the system faster, so you may have to replace the system early.
Short
cycling is one of the common causes of excess wear and tear. Short
cycling often can be caused by a dirty system, but it's also a sign
the system is too big for your home. As a result, the overly sized
system heats or cools your home too fast, causing it to run through
cycles faster than expected.
2.
Mold Growth
Your
HVAC system shouldn't just cool during the summer; it should also
remove moisture from the air. However, if the system is too big, the
cycles may not last long enough to remove enough moisture, allowing
the moisture to settle in your ductwork and on your walls. This
moisture attracts mold growth, which spreads incredibly fast and
makes your home look dirty and poorly maintained.
Even
mild mold can lead to skin and eye irritation, and those with
allergies may experience breathing complications. And dangerous black
mold spores can lead to major illness or death.
Homeowners
need to get the right sized system and keep the ducts cleaned and
maintained to prevent mold growth. If mold continues to be a problem,
consider a mold inhibitor.
3.
Wasted Energy
A
system that is too small for your home can also lead to problems,
especially wasted energy. When the system is too small, it still
tries to reach your desired temperature. However, because the system
isn't powerful enough to actually properly heat or cool the home, the
system may just keep running, wasting energy.
To
determine if your system is wasting energy, monitor your energy bill.
While it may fluctuate a little from month to month because of the
changes in outdoor temperature, it should stay relatively even. But
if you suddenly have to pay a lot more, check your system to learn if
it is the right size or just needs a good cleaning.
4.
Uneven Temperature
Another
downside of an undersized system is that it may never actually reach
that perfect temperature. If this is the case with your home, don't
keep changing the temperature as this can continue to strain the
system. Instead, you need to have your system serviced.
Some
rooms close to the thermostat may reach that comfortable temperature
you want inside the home, but other rooms (especially those far from
the thermostat) may still feel too cold or hot, creating uneven
temperatures throughout the home. A properly sized system
(particularly one with zoned heating and cooling) can prevent hot
spots upstairs and cold spots downstairs.
You
need to make sure your HVAC system is the right size for your home
because a system that is too big or small will only waste money and
prove to be less efficient. If you would like to know more about HVAC
system sizing, or if you need to request a quote, contact
us at
A-1 Finchum Heating today.
