What Size Should My Replacement Furnace Be?

February 29, 2016

What Size Should My Replacement Furnace Be?

If you’re looking for a replacement furnace or will be soon, you will need to identify what size of system will work most appropriately for your house. Having an appropriately sized system is important to its efficiency and the comfort level of your house. With a bit of research, you’ll be able to find the perfect furnace for your needs.

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

Your household will waste a lot of energy and money if you install a system that is too large. A system that is larger than you need won’t have to run as long, so it’ll be frequently cycling on and off, which means extra wear on your system and can lessen the life of your system. An oversized system will not only cost additional money up front, but it will cost you more over time as well. This is an option you’ll want to dodge.

Then there are the challenges with a system that is smaller than necessary. If your system is too small, it will run more often to try to heat your house, and it won’t be able to get the job done despite its effort. A smaller than needed will work harder, which will minimize the system’s life span. Additionally, you’ll be paying higher energy bills for a home that’s not sufficiently heated. Have a professional, like those at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating perform a load calculation and consult with you on the best system for your replacement furnace needs.

How is Load Calculation Determined?

In the past, a home’s load calculation was determined based only on square footage. This method frequently lead to inaccurate calculations. With advancements in technology and better knowledge, things are much more precise today. Your furnace professional will review your home as a whole, looking at items like its construction, the color of its roof and how well insulated it is. He or she will also take into consideration the climate in Pella and the number of people live in your home. This assessment is unquestionably much more thorough than coming up with a calculation created on square footage alone!

If your HVAC system is correctly sized it will keep you more comfortable and save you money. At Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating, we understand that buying a replacement furnace is a major decision. We are here to help you choose the best system for your home. We’re only a phone call away at 641-628-3621. We look forward to working with you.