Choosing the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is essential. It has a big impact on your comfort and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating will explain how to choose the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why choosing the best 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 struggle to keep up in extremely warm or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, wastes money and can cause problems that make your home less comfortable.

Key Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Pella, IA

To choose the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating carry out 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 several elements, such as:

  • Square footage: The size of the home is arguably the most important factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to heat and cool?
  • Home insulation: A well- insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you demand.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Pella, IA, plays a significant role in finding the correct size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may demand less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double paned can significantly influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a considerable sunlight will inherently 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 impact the correct HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent mistake homeowners make when sizing their own 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 factors also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is required to keep your home comfortable.

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

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An incorrectly sized system can cause comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often operate continuously to attempt to regulate the temperature of a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can lead to breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your whole home, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Higher energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously 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 uses less power 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.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized 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 balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system often completes its cycle before it has time to accomplish that task. This can cause indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating  

Now that you understand some of the things that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating 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 determine the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 641-628-3621 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Pella, IA.