Choosing the correct HVAC system size for your home is vital. It impacts your ability to enjoy your home and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Point Heating & Cooling will explain how to choose the right 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 satisfaction.

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

Proper HVAC size differs from home to home. Your HVAC system needs enough heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely hot or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, costs more up front and can cause problems that make your home less agreeable.

Key Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Plover, WI

To determine the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Point Heating & Cooling 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 features of your home, such as:

  • Size of the home: The total area of the home is arguably the most important 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 well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can impact how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Plover, WI, has a significant role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates might need a system with a greater cooling capacity, while cooler regions may demand less.
  • Window placement and size: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double paned can considerably affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that receives a substantial sunlight will naturally 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 influence 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. Although the square footage of your home has a significant impact on what size HVAC you need, other considerations also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is necessary to keep your home comfortable.

Another typical mistake is not hiring a professional. It's essential to have a qualified HVAC technician carry out a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to determine 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 incorrectly sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often operate continuously to try to heat or cool a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can result in 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 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 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 needs is an avoidable expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often start and stop frequently, 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 often completes its cycle before it has time 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 Point Heating & Cooling  

Now that you understand some of the things that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Point Heating & Cooling 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 determine the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can have a comfortable home every day of the year.

Call 715-504-0533 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Plover, WI.