Finding the correct HVAC system size for your home is vital. It impacts your comfort and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces will explain how to select the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why choosing the most suitable size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size differs for each home. Your HVAC system needs enough heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely hot or chilly weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can lead to complications that make your home less agreeable.

Crucial Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Alliance, NE

To determine the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces conduct 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 factors, such as:

  • Home size: The size 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 be required to heat and cool?
  • Home insulation: A well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can influence how much heating and cooling capacity you need.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Alliance, NE, has a major role in finding the right size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates might need a system with a greater cooling capacity, while chillier 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 paned or double paned can considerably impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun exposure: A home that receives a substantial sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the appropriate HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A common 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 comfortable.

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

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An incorrectly sized system can cause comfort problems and cost you money. 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 strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your whole home, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Higher energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly trying to keep up uses more energy, running up your monthly power bills and costing you money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system consumes less energy and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • 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.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your equipment, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: An HVAC system should control the moisture level in your home, but an oversized HVAC system might not run long enough to accomplish that task. This can cause indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces  

Now that you know 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. Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces is here to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you 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 experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 308-762-1613 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Alliance, NE.