Selecting the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It impacts your ability to enjoy your home and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Better Air will explain how to select the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why selecting the ideal size HVAC is so important to your convenience.

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

Proper HVAC size varies for each home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely scorching or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, costs more up front and can cause problems that make your home less agreeable.

Key Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Dundas, MN

To choose the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Better Air carry out 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 multiple features of your home, such as:

  • Home size: The total area of the home is arguably the most significant factor in choosing 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 fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can impact how much heating and cooling capacity you demand.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Dundas, MN, plays a significant role in finding the right size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while cooler regions may need less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double pane can greatly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that receives a considerable sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects central air sizing. Home placement in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also impact the appropriate HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

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

Another typical mistake is not employing 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 find the appropriate HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An improperly sized system can cause 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 operate continuously to attempt to regulate the temperature of a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your whole home, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and costing you money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system uses less power and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can cause wear and tear on your equipment, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: 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, such as mold growth.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Better Air  

Now that you have learned some of the factors that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Better Air is here 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 best HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call 507-663-1208 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Dundas, MN.