When it comes to cooling your home, bigger isn’t always better—and smaller definitely isn’t smarter. The size of your air conditioner plays a huge role in your comfort, energy efficiency, and system lifespan. At Covenant Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ve seen firsthand how improperly sized systems can lead to high energy bills, uneven temperatures, and frustrating repair needs.
If you're thinking about replacing your air conditioner or installing a new system, here's why AC sizing matters more than you might think.
What Does "AC Sizing" Mean?
AC sizing refers to the cooling capacity of your air conditioning unit, typically measured in tons or BTUs (British Thermal Units). It’s not about the physical dimensions of the system—it’s about how much heat it can remove from your home in one hour. The right size depends on multiple factors, including:
Square footage of your home
Number and size of windows
Ceiling height
Insulation levels
Local climate
Sun exposure
Number of occupants
At Covenant Air Conditioning & Heating, our technicians take all these factors into account when determining the perfect system size for your home—not just a rough estimate based on square footage alone.
Why an Oversized Unit is a Problem
You might think that a larger AC system would cool your home faster—and while that’s technically true, it’s not a good thing. An oversized unit will reach the set temperature quickly and then shut off before completing a full cycle. This is known as “short cycling.”
Short cycling causes:
Uneven temperatures in different rooms
Increased humidity indoors
Higher energy bills
More wear and tear on your system
Shortened equipment lifespan
In other words, a system that’s too large might feel powerful, but it won’t keep you comfortable for long.
Why an Undersized Unit is Even Worse
On the flip side, an undersized air conditioner will struggle to cool your home, especially during the hottest days in Texas. It will run non-stop trying to reach the desired temperature, which results in:
Overworked components
Higher electricity costs
Insufficient cooling
Premature breakdowns
You’ll still be hot—and paying more for it.
Get the Right Fit with Expert Help
At Covenant Air Conditioning & Heating, we don’t guess—we calculate. Our licensed technicians perform a proper load calculation to determine the ideal AC size for your home. Whether you’re replacing an old system or planning a new installation, we’ll make sure your system is tailored to your needs, budget, and space.
Choosing the right size isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your investment and avoiding future problems.
Call us today at (512) 318-2257 to schedule a consultation with our friendly and experienced team!