Choosing the right HVAC system size for your home is vital. It impacts your comfort and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Halverson Brothers Inc will explain how to determine the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why selecting the best size HVAC is so important to your convenience.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size varies for each home. Your HVAC system needs sufficient heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely warm or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can create issues that make your home less enjoyable.

Key Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Menomonie, WI

To determine the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Halverson Brothers Inc perform 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 multiple features of your home, such as:

  • Size of the home: 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 heat and cool?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature better, which can influence how much heating and cooling power you need.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Menomonie, WI, plays a significant role in finding the correct size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates may require a system with a greater cooling capacity, while chillier regions may need less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double pane can greatly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that gets a considerable sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Home placement in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the appropriate HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent 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 elements 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 find the right HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

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

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often run constantly to try to heat or cool a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can cause 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 far too cool.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop 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 operates more efficiently and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an unnecessary expense.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your equipment, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, 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 Halverson Brothers Inc  

Now that you understand some of the things that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Halverson Brothers Inc is ready to help.

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

Call 715-352-4052 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Menomonie, WI.