When Florida’s heat hits full swing, your air conditioner isn’t just a comfort upgrade — it’s essential. But one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when replacing an air conditioner is assuming that bigger automatically means better. In reality, the right size is what truly matters. Here’s why proper sizing is so important, and how the best HVAC professionals get it right.

What Does “Sizing” Really Mean?

When we talk about “sizing” an air conditioner, we’re not talking about how physically large the unit is. It’s all about capacity — how much heat it can remove from your home over a set period. This is usually measured in tons (or BTUs).

A system that’s properly sized will run long enough to cool your home evenly and remove excess humidity. Too large, and it cycles on and off too quickly. Too small, and it runs non-stop, struggling to keep up.

The Problems With an Oversized System

Many people think a bigger system is safer, but it’s actually a recipe for discomfort and wasted money. An oversized air conditioner cools your home too quickly, shutting off before it can properly dehumidify the air. That leaves your house feeling cool but damp — not exactly the comfortable environment you’re wishing to obtain.

Frequent cycling also means more wear and tear on parts, leading to breakdowns and a shorter lifespan for your unit.  

The Problems With an Undersized System

On the flip side, an air conditioner that’s too small will run constantly trying to reach the set temperature, driving up energy bills. Even then, it might never get your home quite as cool as you’d like on those blazing hot afternoons.

More Than Just Square Footage

It’s tempting to think you can size an AC by square footage alone — like one ton per 600 square feet. But that’s only part of the picture. A proper sizing process, known in the industry as a Manual J load calculation, takes a lot more into account, such as:

• Your home’s insulation levels
  
• How many and what kind of windows you have
  
• Which way your house faces (more sun means more heat gain)
  
• Shading from trees or neighboring buildings
  
• The number of bedrooms or potential bedrooms in your home
  
• Heat produced by appliances and lighting
  

All of these factors determine how much heat your cooling system has to remove to keep you comfortable.  These factors can change over time as well.  Just recall all the trees shading your house before Hurricane Michael.  When all those trees were lost, the load on your home likely changed due to the increased amount of sunlight introduced to once shaded windows, walls, and roofs.  You can’t even begin to imagine the number of calls we have gotten post hurricane saying “this room used to be a lot cooler”.  The loss of shade trees really impacted a lot of homes after that hurricane.

Why Professional Sizing Matters

As your trusted HVAC contractor, Woodall’s Total Comfort Systems won’t just eyeball your old unit and slap in the same size. They’ll inspect your attic and ductwork, measure windows and walls, and look at your home’s unique features. This detailed approach means you get an air conditioning and heating system that’s tailored exactly to your needs — maximizing comfort and efficiency.  There will also be questions about your lifestyle and what temperature you consider to be your most comfortable setting.  Even a change in temperature can influence the size of the air conditioning system you need to keep you cool and comfortable.  

The Bottom Line

Proper sizing isn’t just about getting the temperature right. It’s about lowering your energy bills, preventing moisture problems, and protecting your investment so your system lasts as long as possible.At Woodall’s Total Comfort Systems, we don’t cut corners. We’ve been helping Florida homeowners find the perfect systems for decades, using proven load calculations and hands-on inspections. That way, you get a system that keeps you cool, dry, and worry-free — even during the toughest summer days. Learn more about Woodall’s Total Comfort and our story.