Finding the correct HVAC system size for your home is vital. It affects your home enjoyment and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Western Mechanical, Inc. will explain how to select the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why selecting the most suitable size HVAC is so important to your convenience.

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

Proper HVAC size is different from home to 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 scorching or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, costs more up front and can lead to complications that make your home less comfortable.

Key Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Logan, UT

To choose the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Western Mechanical, Inc. perform 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 several features of your home, such as:

  • Size of the home: 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 have to heat and cool?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A properly insulated home retains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you need.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Logan, UT, plays a major role in identifying the right size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may demand less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double pane can significantly influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun exposure: A home that receives a substantial sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Home placement in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the proper HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to rely solely on square footage. While 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 required to keep your home cozy.

Another typical mistake is not employing a professional. It's essential to have an experienced HVAC technician perform 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 improperly sized system can lead to comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often seem to run all the time to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to more wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire residence, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly 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 operates more efficiently and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Wasted money: 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 equipment, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: 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 lead to indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Western Mechanical, Inc.  

Now that you have learned 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. Western Mechanical, Inc. 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 find the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call 435-753-5515 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Logan, UT.