Finding the correct HVAC system size for your home is essential. It impacts your comfort and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Central Heating & Plumbing will explain how to choose the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why choosing the best size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

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

Proper HVAC size is different for each home. Your HVAC system needs enough heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely scorching or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, wastes money and can create issues that make your home less comfortable.

Critical Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in New Castle, PA

To determine the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Central Heating & Plumbing perform 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 elements, such as:

  • Square footage: The total area of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system be required to keep comfortable?
  • Home insulation: A fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can affect how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in New Castle, PA, plays a significant role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may demand less.
  • Window placement and size: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double paned can considerably impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a substantial sunlight will inherently 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 influence the proper HVAC size.

HVAC Size Mistakes Homeowners Often Make

A frequent mistake homeowners make when determining the size of their HVAC system is to base their decision on square footage. While 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 cozy.

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's crucial to have a qualified HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to find the correct HVAC size.

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

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

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Shorter system life 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 excessive wear and tear. This can lead to breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your entire living space, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Higher energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly trying to keep up uses more energy, running up your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system consumes less energy and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an avoidable expense.
  • Shorter system 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.
  • Humidity issues: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can cause indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Central Heating & Plumbing  

Now that you have learned some of the things that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Central Heating & Plumbing is ready to help.

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

Call 724-401-1843 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in New Castle, PA.