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Sizing Up Your AC Needs: A Guide to Choosing the Right Unit

Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists

When it’s time to replace your air conditioner, most people assume that installing the same size system as before will do the job. But did you know that many HVAC companies skip the most important step — making sure the old system was the right size to begin with?

At Don’t Sweat It Air and Heat, we do things differently. We’re based right here in Melbourne, Florida, and we’re working to raise the standard for how HVAC systems are sized and installed across the Space Coast.

Why Proper Sizing Matters

Air conditioning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your home’s AC system should be tailored to match your home’s specific layout, insulation, windows, and even how much shade it gets. If it’s not, you could be stuck with comfort problems, higher energy bills, and long-term damage to your system.

Here’s why the right size matters:

1. Oversized Systems Cool Too Fast

It may sound good to have a more powerful AC unit — but bigger isn’t always better. Oversized systems cool your home too quickly without running long enough to remove humidity. That means your home can feel cold and damp, with humidity levels staying above 60%, which is perfect for mold and mildew to grow.

2. Undersized or Poorly Designed Ductwork Hurts Efficiency

If your ductwork is too small, your system will struggle to move air properly. This creates high static pressure, which is like high blood pressure for your HVAC system. It puts stress on your blower motor and compressor, causes uneven cooling (hot and cold spots), and leads to faster equipment failure. It also encourages mold to grow inside the ducts due to damp conditions.

How the Industry Gets It Wrong

In Florida, it’s surprisingly easy to replace an HVAC system without double-checking if the size is still appropriate. The building code allows contractors to pull a permit and replace the equipment “like for like” — no updated calculations required.

This means if your old system was oversized or if you’ve made energy upgrades like:

  • Adding attic insulation

  • Installing energy-efficient windows

  • Sealing air leaks


… your new system could now be too big for your more efficient home. And the cycle of poor performance continues for another 10–20 years — until the next replacement.

What We Do Differently

At Don’t Sweat It Air and Heat, we’re changing how HVAC is done:

We Always Perform a Load Calculation

Every estimate includes a Manual J Load Calculation, which tells us exactly how much cooling your home really needs based on square footage, insulation, window types, and more.

We Measure Static Pressure

This tells us if your ductwork is restricting airflow. High static pressure damages your system and harms indoor air quality. We measure it on every job.

We Explain the Why

If a system needs to be a different size or the ductwork needs to be changed, we walk you through it. We’ll even handle the permitting and submit the proper paperwork to your city.

Breathe Easy with a Better HVAC System

A properly sized AC system will:

  • Run longer cycles to remove humidity

  • Reduce energy costs

  • Prevent mold growth

  • Extend the life of your equipment

  • Keep your whole home consistently comfortable


At Don’t Sweat It Air and Heat, we don’t take shortcuts. We take care of your home like it’s our own.

📍 Serving Melbourne, FL and surrounding Space Coast areas
📞 321-426-8328
📧 hello@dontsweatitairandheat.com
🌐 DontSweatItAirandHeat.com

Let us help you breathe easier — contact us today for an estimate done right from the start.

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Written By Team Members of Don't Sweat It Air and Heat