The $10,000 Mistake: Why a "Bigger" AC Isn't Always the Answer
I recently visited a home in Dayton where the upstairs was constantly sweltering. They had already received an estimate from another large local company. The recommendation? "Your system is too small. You need to upgrade to a larger, more expensive unit."
Before they spent $10,000+ on equipment they didn't need, they called me for a second opinion.
The Salesman's Quick Fix
In the HVAC industry, "upsizing" is the easiest way to make a commission. But bigger is rarely better. An oversized unit will "short cycle," meaning it turns on and off so fast that it never actually removes the humidity. You end up with a house that is cold, but "clammy."
What I Found in the Attic
I didn't start with a sales pitch; I started with a flashlight. When I climbed into the attic, the real "horror story" was revealed.
The existing system wasn't too small—it was just fighting a losing battle. There were significant holes in the ductwork that were acting like a vacuum, sucking in 130°F attic air and mixing it with the cool air intended for the bedrooms. The system was basically trying to air condition the entire attic before the air ever reached the vents.
The JBH Solution
Instead of selling them a massive new unit, we did the "boring" work:
- We sealed every leak in the ductwork.
- We properly insulated the distribution lines.
The result? The "undersized" system started working perfectly. The house stayed cool, the humidity dropped, and the homeowners saved thousands of dollars.
Don't get sold a system you don't need. Schedule an honest inspection today: (937) 681-5547.
