What Size Should My Replacement Furnace Be?

February 29, 2016

What Size Should My Replacement Furnace Be?

You’ve reached the point where it’s time for a furnace replacement or perhaps you see this point approaching quickly, but how do you figure out the size of system you’ll need? Selecting the best size is very important for your system’s efficiency and your home’s comfort. There’s a perfect furnace out there for you and your home’s needs.

When replacing your system, bigger isn’t always better.

Putting in a system that is too large wastes energy and money. A larger system will constantly be warming up and cooling down because it’s production will not require it to operateas long. This is known as “short cycling” and it increases the wear on your system and in turn decreases the life of your system. An oversized furnace will cost you more money up front and down the road.

On the other hand, a system that is undersized will stay on too long and can’t fully heat your home when the weather gets frigid. An improperly sized system will have to work harder, your bills may be higher and your comfort will be impacted because of that. It’s very important to work with an expert that will do a load calculation and advise you on the best system for your needs.

How is Load Calculation Determined?

A home’s load calculation used to be determined based only on square footage and was often erroneous. Technology and knowledge have come a long way since then. When you’re ready for a replacement furnace, one of the professionals from Western Mechanical, Inc. will study your home as a whole and then be able to give an accurate load calculation. Load calculations are made of everything from the construction of your home, amount of insulation, the local climate as well as type and color of your roof, to the number of home occupants – a truly complete assessment of your needs.

A properly sized and functioning HVAC system will not only keep you more comfortable, it could also save you money. Purchasing a replacement furnace is a major decision, which is why we want to ensure your system will meet or exceed all of your needs. We are here to help you along during every step of the process. If you are ready for a furnace replacement or have any questions for the experts at Western Mechanical, Inc., give us a call at 435-753-5515.