Finding the right HVAC system size for your home is essential. It impacts your comfort and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Age Heating & Cooling will explain how to determine the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why choosing the best size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size varies for each home. Your HVAC system needs enough heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. 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 lead to complications that make your home less comfortable.

Crucial Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Sandpoint, ID

To choose the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Age Heating & Cooling conduct 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 multiple elements, such as:

  • Home size: The size of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to heat and cool?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A well- insulated home retains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can impact how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Climate: The local climate in Sandpoint, ID, has a significant role in identifying the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may require less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double paned can considerably influence 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. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also impact the correct HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common 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 significant 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 hiring a professional. It's vital to have an experienced HVAC technician carry out a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to determine the appropriate HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An improperly sized system can cause comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often run constantly to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can lead to breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems don't have enough power to heat and cool your entire residence, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system consumes less energy and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is a waste of money.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can cause wear and tear on your equipment, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Excessive indoor humidity: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can lead to indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Age Heating & Cooling  

Now that you know some of the factors that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Age Heating & Cooling can help.

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

Call 208-603-2210 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Sandpoint, ID.