
Choosing the correct HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It affects your ability to enjoy your home and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Covington Air Systems will explain how to determine the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why selecting the best size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.
Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency
Proper HVAC size differs for each 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 hot or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, costs more up front and can lead to complications that make your home less comfortable.
Critical Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Oxford, GA
To select the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Covington Air Systems perform a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are necessary to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates several factors, such as:
- Square footage: The total area of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system be required to keep comfortable?
- Amount of insulation: A properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you demand.
- Climate: The local climate in Oxford, GA, plays a major role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates may require a system with a greater cooling capacity, while chillier regions may need less.
- Window placement and size: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double paned can considerably impact heating and cooling requirements.
- Amount of sun: A home that gets a lot of sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the correct HVAC size.
HVAC Size Mistakes Homeowners Often Make
A common mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to focus only 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 necessary to keep your home cozy.
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 elements into consideration to establish the correct HVAC size.
Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?
An improperly sized system can result in comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:
Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:
- Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often seem to run all the time 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 uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your entire residence, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
- Higher energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly 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 operates more efficiently and helps to lower your monthly bills.
Oversized HVAC system problems
- Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs 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, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
- Humidity issues: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime 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 Covington Air Systems
Now that you understand some of the aspects of your home that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Covington Air Systems 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 identify the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.
Call (770) 462-5319 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Oxford, GA.