Finding the correct HVAC system size for your home is vital. It impacts your comfort and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning will explain how to choose the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why picking the best size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

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

Proper HVAC size varies for every home. Your HVAC system needs sufficient heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely scorching 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.

Critical Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Heflin, AL

To select the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning 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 multiple factors, such as:

  • Home size: The total area of the home is arguably the most important factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system be required to heat and cool?
  • Amount of insulation: A fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Heflin, AL, has a significant role in finding the right size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates might need a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may need 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 significantly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun exposure: A home that gets a considerable sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects 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 factors 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 crucial to have an experienced HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to find the correct HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

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 incorrectly sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often operate continuously 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 unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire residence, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Higher energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, driving up your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system uses less power and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an avoidable expense.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your equipment, shortening 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 may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can lead to indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from Bain Heating & Air Conditioning  

Now that you know some of the factors that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Bain Heating & Air Conditioning can help.

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

Call 256-270-1196 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Heflin, AL.