Selecting the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It has a big impact on your ability to enjoy your home and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Brookwood Inc will explain how to determine 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 comfort.

What Impact Does HVAC System Size Make on Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size varies from home to home. Your HVAC system needs sufficient heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely scorching or chilly weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, costs more up front and can lead to complications that make your home less agreeable.

Key Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Newton, IA

To determine the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Brookwood Inc conduct a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are necessary to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates several factors, such as:

  • Size of the home: The size 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 need to keep comfortable?
  • Home insulation: A properly insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can affect how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Newton, IA, has a significant role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may require less.
  • Window placement and size: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double pane can considerably influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a substantial sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the appropriate HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to focus only on square footage. Although the square footage of your home has a big impact on what size HVAC you need, other considerations also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is necessary to keep your home pleasant.

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

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

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

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often seem to run all the time to try to heat or cool a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can lead to breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems don't have enough power to heat and cool your entire residence, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Higher energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly 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 consumes less energy and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an unnecessary expense.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can cause wear and tear on your machine, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can result in indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Brookwood Inc  

Now that you understand some of the aspects of your home that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Brookwood Inc can help.

We’ll evaluate your home and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll assess your home to find the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call 641-316-9803 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Newton, IA.