It's easy to see why an undersized air conditioning unit can cause problems, but an oversized system will often be just as detrimental to your comfort. When an air conditioner has too much power for a home, it can interfere with its regular operation, repeatedly forcing the unit to short cycle. This behavior can ultimately result in poor dehumidification and even cause your evaporator coils to freeze.

Unfortunately, dealing with an oversized system is rarely an easy process. Replacing a relatively new air conditioning system doesn't make much sense, even if it has too much power for your home. If you're suffering from this issue, these three steps may provide some options for improving your home's comfort and saving your AC from an early demise.

Step 1: Confirm Your Symptoms

Air conditioners typically cool your home by running in cycles that last for around 15 minutes. While the compressor is running, the cool evaporator coils remove humidity by causing moisture to condense from the air. If the system only runs in short bursts, it will not have time to draw much water from the air, resulting in chilly but humid breezes from your vents.

However, an oversized system isn't the only possible cause for high humidity levels. If you're experiencing high moisture levels with your air conditioner running, consult with a contractor to confirm that there's not another issue at play. Other possible causes include a faulty thermostat, leaky ductwork, or refrigerant issues.

Step 2: Consider Stopgap Solutions

If you've confirmed that you have an over-capacity issue, there are a few stopgap solutions you can implement to improve your home's comfort and extend your system life. Replacing your thermostats is the most straightforward option. Some thermostat models include adjustable cycle rates, and you can use these to stop your system from short cycling, although your interior temperatures will be colder.

A whole-home dehumidifier is another option. Installing a dehumidifier won't prevent your system from short cycling, but it will improve comfort and allow you to set your thermostat setpoint a bit higher. Using a whole-home dehumidifier also takes some of the load off your AC system, helping to extend its life.

Step 3: Perform a Proper AC Load Evaluation

Ultimately, the only permanent solution to an oversized air conditioner is replacing it with an appropriately sized one. When the time finally comes to replace your AC unit, be sure to have an air conditioning contractor perform a proper AC load calculation for your home. This calculation allows your installer to choose an appropriately sized replacement for maximum performance, comfort, and efficiency.