Finding the right HVAC system size for your home is vital. It has a big impact on your home enjoyment and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Retro HVAC Service & Installation will explain how to select the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why selecting the most suitable size HVAC is so important to your convenience.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size differs for every home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely hot or chilly weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, wastes money and can create issues that make your home less enjoyable.

Key Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Warminster, PA

To choose the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Retro HVAC Service & Installation carry out a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are required to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates multiple elements, such as:

  • Square footage: The total area of the home is arguably the most important factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system be required to heat and cool?
  • Home insulation: A fully insulated home maintains the indoor temperature better, which can influence how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Warminster, PA, plays an important role in identifying the right size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates might need a system with a greater cooling capacity, while cooler regions may need less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double paned can considerably influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that receives a lot of sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Home placement in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the appropriate HVAC size.

HVAC Size Mistakes Homeowners Often Make

A common mistake homeowners make when choosing the size of home HVAC system is to focus only on square footage. While 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 required to keep your home cozy.

Another typical mistake is not hiring a professional. It's crucial to have a skilled HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to establish the correct HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An incorrectly sized system can cause comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often seem to run all the time to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can lead to breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire residence, which can cause 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, increasing your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system operates more efficiently and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your machine, reducing 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 lead to indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Retro HVAC Service & Installation  

Now that you have learned some of the things that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Retro HVAC Service & Installation is here to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll analyze your home to find the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 267-277-3851 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Warminster, PA.