How to Tell If Your AC Unit Is Undersized

Air conditioning is vital for maintaining indoor comfort during the peak of summer. When your air conditioning system is properly sized, it can efficiently cool your home and keep energy costs in check. However, if your AC unit is too small for your home’s cooling needs, it may struggle to keep up—leading to discomfort, inefficiency, and higher utility bills. Here’s how to tell if your AC unit is undersized.

Your AC Isn’t Cooling the Entire Home

One of the clearest signs of an undersized AC unit is its inability to effectively cool your entire home. If your air conditioner runs constantly but your home still feels warm, especially during the hottest parts of the day, the unit may not have enough capacity—measured in BTUs—to meet the cooling demands of your space. This can be due to factors such as square footage, insulation levels, number of windows, and sun exposure.

Inconsistent Room Temperatures

Uneven cooling throughout the house is another common red flag. If some rooms remain hot while others are cooler, your AC system may not be powerful enough to distribute conditioned air evenly. This imbalance can lead to persistent discomfort and frequent thermostat adjustments, further overworking your unit.

Your AC Runs Constantly Without Turning Off

A well-sized air conditioner should cycle on and off as it reaches the set temperature. If your AC runs nearly nonstop without reaching the desired comfort level, it’s likely undersized and overexerting itself in an attempt to cool your home. This not only raises energy use but also increases wear on the unit.

Your Energy Bills Are Climbing

If you’ve noticed a spike in your energy bills during summer, an undersized AC unit may be the cause. Constant operation uses more electricity and places additional stress on your HVAC system. Over time, this inefficiency can significantly impact your monthly utility costs.

High Indoor Humidity Levels

Air conditioners are designed to cool the air and regulate humidity. An undersized unit may not run long enough to remove excess moisture from the air effectively. As a result, your home may feel muggy, sticky, and less comfortable, even if the temperature appears acceptable on the thermostat.

Weak or Low Airflow

Poor airflow from your vents can indicate more than just a dirty filter—it may also suggest that your AC unit lacks the capacity to move air efficiently through your ductwork. If airflow remains weak after replacing the filter and checking vents, the system might be too small for your home’s layout.

Professional AC Sizing Help Available

If you’re experiencing these issues and suspect your air conditioner may be undersized, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. At Cafco Services, we offer professional HVAC assessments to determine the correct AC size for your home. Our team can guide you to a solution that enhances comfort, boosts efficiency, and helps you avoid costly breakdowns.

Contact Cafco Services today at (513) 242-3400 or fill out our online form. We proudly serve the Cincinnati, OH, area with trusted AC services for homes and businesses.