Why your new AC is struggling to keep your house cool

If you’re feeling hot, sticky and just all-around uncomfortable come summer, that’s a problem.There are a few things more frustrating than spending thousands on an HVAC/AC system and finding that it just does not cool your space.This might not mean that the unit itself is broken and needs replacing.

In fact, it could be a sizing, ductwork, airflow or even installation issue causing the lack of cooling.Here’s why your new AC may not be cooling your home the way it should — and what to do about it.Sizing is one of the biggest issues.Homeowners assume that a larger size automatically means better, but that’s not necessarily the case.“First of all, it needs to be sized properly,” says Gregory Milich, an HVAC expert and college instructor with 43 years of experience.

“You can’t just take a three-ton system out and put a four-ton system in because the customer says, ‘I just want more air conditioning.’ It does not work that way.”According to Milich, homeowners cannot simply swap in a larger system because they want more cooling.The system needs to be matched to the home.If the system is too small, for example, it may run consistently and not actually cool your space.

If it’s too large, it may not dehumidify properly.That can leave your home feeling cold in some areas and damp, sticky or uncomfortable overall.Milich says to avoid unnecessary mistakes, your best bet is to have a contractor evaluate your home to determine what’s best for you.

Josh Conder, division operations manager for ARS Central Division, says his team does a full energy analysis and heat-load calculation to determine what works best for each home.“We go to the home and do a full energy analysis and a heat-load calculation to determine what really works best for their individual situation, as opposed to just throwing out a blanket price and hoping that it works,” Conder says.You could have a brand-new AC, but if the ductwork is poorly installed, you might feel like your...