Choosing the right air conditioner for your home is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make to ensure comfort and energy efficiency. However, many St. Louis homeowners unknowingly suffer the consequences of an undersized air conditioner. While a smaller unit may seem more affordable up front, it often leads to higher energy costs, reduced comfort, and unnecessary wear on the system.
At Galmiche & Sons, we help homeowners throughout the St. Louis area avoid these common mistakes by guiding them through professional air conditioner sizing and installation. With decades of experience in the HVAC industry, we understand what it takes to keep your home cool and efficient in Missouri’s hot, humid climate. Call today to learn more or request a quote for your new HVAC system.
The Hidden Cost of an Undersized Air Conditioner
What Is an Undersized Air Conditioner?
An air conditioner is considered “undersized” when it lacks the cooling capacity to handle your home’s specific needs. This capacity is typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). If your air conditioning system doesn’t have enough BTUs to match the demands of your living space, it will run constantly without ever reaching the desired temperature.
Key Problems Caused by Undersized AC Units
1. Constant Running and High Energy Bills
One of the first signs of an undersized air conditioner is that it seems to run nonstop. Since the unit can’t meet your home’s cooling demand, it keeps working without rest, driving up your energy bills without delivering real comfort.
2. Inadequate Cooling and Hot Spots
Homes with an undersized AC often experience uneven temperatures. You may notice that certain rooms never cool down, especially during peak summer heat. This can make living areas uncomfortable and sleeping areas too warm at night.
Learn more about common causes for your AC not cooling and what to do about it.
3. Increased Wear and Tear
Because the system is overworked, its components wear out faster. Motors, compressors, and fans experience more stress, which leads to breakdowns, expensive repairs, and a shorter system lifespan.
4. Poor Humidity Control
In St. Louis, humidity is just as much a concern as temperature. An undersized air conditioner will struggle to remove enough moisture from the air, leaving your home feeling sticky and damp instead of crisp and cool.
Common Causes of Undersized AC Installations
- Incorrect Load Calculation: Some contractors skip the crucial Manual J calculation, leading to improperly sized systems.
- Home Additions: If you’ve expanded your home but didn’t upgrade your AC, it may now be too small to cool the increased square footage. Learn more about HVAC system replacement and home renovation projects.
- Aging Systems: Older units may lose efficiency over time and no longer meet your home’s cooling demands.
How Galmiche & Sons Solves Undersized AC Issues
At Galmiche & Sons, we believe proper sizing is the foundation of effective air conditioning. We use professional Manual J load calculations to evaluate factors like your home’s square footage, insulation levels, window placements, and layout. If we find that your system is undersized, we’ll walk you through your options to correct it, which may include:
- Installing a properly sized central air unit
- Adding ductless mini-splits for problem areas
- Improving insulation to reduce cooling load
- Evaluating HVAC zoning or multi-system strategies
FAQs About Undersized Air Conditioners
How can I tell if my AC unit is too small?
Is it better to go slightly smaller to save energy?
Can adding fans or window units help?
Contact Galmiche & Sons for AC Sizing and Installation in St. Louis
If you suspect your AC is undersized, don’t wait for energy bills to skyrocket or your system to fail in the heat of summer. The trusted HVAC professionals at Galmiche & Sons can assess your home, identify the right cooling solution, and install a system built for comfort, efficiency, and longevity.
Call our heating and air conditioning experts today or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation or learn more about our full range of air conditioning and furnace repair services in the St. Louis area.
