Right-Size Your Air Conditioner for True Comfort and Humidity Control

Ever set your thermostat to the perfect number, yet the house still feels sticky and cave-like? That is almost always a sizing problem, not a thermostat problem. As Jim Forquer often explains, air conditioning is about more than temperature. It must pull heat out and wring out humidity. Get the size wrong and comfort suffers.

At Forquer Heating & Air Conditioning, we take AC sizing seriously because the right size air conditioner is the difference between a home that feels crisp and comfortable and one that never quite feels right. Here is how we think about it and how we make sure your system is sized correctly.

Why Air Conditioner Size Matters More Than You Think

Your AC has two jobs: reduce temperature and remove moisture. The unit has to run long enough per cycle to pull humidity from the air. If the size is off in either direction, you feel it.

The problem with an oversized air conditioner

  • Short cycling, frequent on and off, reaches the set point fast but does not dehumidify
  • Air feels clammy or sticky, even though the thermostat looks right
  • Extra wear and tear from constant starts and stops

The problem with an undersized AC

  • Struggles to keep up on very hot days, especially during 95 degree afternoons
  • Runs continuously and still never reaches the set point
  • Forces you to rely on fans or window units when you need cooling most

The sweet spot is a system that runs long enough to remove humidity, yet has the capacity to keep up when the sun is beating through west-facing windows in July. That is the comfort target we aim for.

How We Determine the Right Size: A Proper Load Calculation

There is no one-size-fits-all tonnage. On every estimate, we perform a detailed load calculation to size the air conditioner to your home and lifestyle. We do not guess based on square footage alone. We look at real-world conditions that change how much cooling and dehumidification your space needs.

We evaluate:

  • Square footage and layout, including open areas and levels
  • Insulation levels in walls and attic
  • Windows, double pane or single pane, size, and direction they face
  • Western exposure and solar gain through large or numerous windows
  • Shade from trees or buildings and whether that shade will remain
  • Walkout basements and how they affect heat gain
  • Nearby water sources, like a pond, that can increase humidity

These factors directly influence runtime, humidity removal, and peak-day performance. By factoring them into the load calculation, we select an air conditioner that does the job correctly, not just on mild days but when heat and humidity are highest.

Real-World Comfort: What You Should Expect

A correctly sized system should:

  • Maintain your set point on the hottest days without supplemental window units
  • Run long enough to actively remove moisture so the air never feels sticky
  • Deliver steady, reliable comfort without constant short cycling
  • Protect the equipment by reducing unnecessary starts and stops

If your current system reaches temperature quickly but the air feels damp, it is likely oversized. If your system runs and runs without reaching the set point, it is likely undersized. Either way, a professional assessment will reveal what is going on.

Signs Your AC May Be the Wrong Size

  • Short, frequent cycles with uneven comfort
  • Cool but humid rooms, that cave-like feeling
  • Thermostat never quite reaching the target temperature
  • System runs non-stop on hot afternoons
  • Increasing wear and tear or repairs tied to cycling issues

Do not replace your unit based on rules of thumb. A proper load calculation is the best way to protect your investment and your comfort.

Why Homeowners Choose Forquer

We size and install air conditioners to hit that sweet spot between capacity and runtime. Jim Forquer and our team consider how you live in your home, how the sun hits it, how humidity builds, and how your windows, insulation, and surroundings change the calculation. The goal is simple, consistent comfort on every day of summer.

Ready to Get the Right Size Air Conditioner?

If you are debating a replacement or you suspect your current AC is the wrong size, we can help. Contact Forquer Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an estimate and load calculation. We will evaluate your home, explain your options clearly, and recommend the right size air conditioner for comfort that feels just right, even on those 95 degree days.