3 Reasons Why You Should Never Oversize Your HVAC Unit

When your current HVAC system has reached the end of its lifespan, you will need to purchase a new one and have it installed. One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make when purchasing a new HVAC unit is oversizing their new unit, or buying one that is too large or has a higher capacity than they need. It is common for people to think that buying a bigger unit allows their home to heat or cool faster.

However, there are many negative consequences associated with oversizing your HVAC unit. Here are three reasons why you should never oversize your HVAC unit. 

1.  Buying a Bigger Unit Than You Needs Costs You In Upfront Expenses

One of the reasons why you should never oversize your HVAC unit is that a larger unit costs more money. If you do not need the larger unit, you are basically spending more money than you need to for no reason.

HVAC prices vary based on the size of unit you buying. Buying the right size for your home ensures you are not spending more money on a unit than you need to, keeping more money in your pocket. 

2.  Buying a Larger Unit Increases Your Energy Expenses

Another reason why you should never oversize your HVAC unit is that buying a unit larger than you need increases your energy usage, which in turn increases your energy bill. An HVAC system is designed to go through a complete cycle to heat or cool your home.

When you select a unit that is larger than you need, the unit is not able to complete the full cycle. What ends up happening is that it stops mid-cycle. It then starts and stops repeatedly as it is not efficiently cooling or heating your home. Starting and stopping uses more energy than running a complete cycle, so you may see a significantly higher energy bill. 

3.  Buying a Unit Larger Than You Need Causes Wear on the Unit

The final reason why you should never oversize your HVAC unit is that your bigger unit may encounter more wear problems than the correct-sized unit. As was mentioned above, the HVAC unit is not able to complete the full cycle when it is too large for your home.

This constant starting and stopping cause strain on certain parts in the unit, which causes them to wear out faster. You may have to repair your unit more frequently, and it may have a shorter lifespan if it is too large for your home. 

When you are looking to purchase a new HVAC unit, contact an HVAC installation contractor. They can help you determine what size unit you need based on the size of your home and by completing a manual J load calculation. This ensures the unit you purchase is perfect for your space and your needs. They can then install the new unit for you, helping you to heat and cool your home once again.