Choosing the correct HVAC system size for your home is essential. It impacts your home enjoyment and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling will explain how to choose the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why picking the best size HVAC is so important to your convenience.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size is different for each home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely warm or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can cause problems that make your home less agreeable.

Crucial Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Athol, ID

To determine the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling 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:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most significant factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to heat and cool?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A well- insulated home retains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can impact how much heating and cooling power you demand.
  • Climate: The local climate in Athol, ID, has a major role in finding the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates might need a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may need 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 paned can greatly influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun exposure: A home that gets a considerable sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects central air sizing. Positioning 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 choosing the size of home HVAC system is to focus only on square footage. Although the square footage of your home has a major impact on what size HVAC you need, other elements also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is required to keep your home comfortable.

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's essential to have an experienced HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to determine the correct HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An inadequately sized system can result in comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often run constantly to try to heat or cool a home, leading to more wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems don't have enough power to heat and cool your whole home, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, driving up your monthly power bills and costing you money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system consumes less energy and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an avoidable expense.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your equipment, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Excessive indoor humidity: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system might not run long enough to accomplish that task. This can lead to indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling  

Now that you have learned some of the factors that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling can help.

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

Call 208-561-1226 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Athol, ID.