Selecting the correct HVAC system size for your home is vital. It affects your home enjoyment and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc will explain how to choose the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why choosing the best size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size differs from home to home. Your HVAC system needs sufficient heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely scorching or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can lead to complications that make your home less agreeable.

Crucial Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in South Beloit, IL

To choose the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc conduct a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are needed to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates several elements, such as:

  • Square footage: The total area of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to keep comfortable?
  • Amount of insulation: A properly insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you need.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in South Beloit, IL, plays an important role in finding the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may need less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double pane can greatly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun exposure: A home that receives a lot of sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also impact the correct HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake homeowners make when determining the size of their HVAC system is to focus only on square footage. Although the square footage of your home has a significant impact on what size HVAC you need, other factors also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is necessary to keep your home comfortable.

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's vital to have a skilled HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to determine the appropriate HVAC size.

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

An inadequately sized system can result in comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often run constantly to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to more wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your whole home, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Higher energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop trying to keep up uses more energy, driving up your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system consumes less energy and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an avoidable expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your machine, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can cause indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc  

Now that you know some of the aspects of your home that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is ready to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll assess your home to determine the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can have a comfortable home every day of the year.

Call 877-389-2465 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in South Beloit, IL.