Finding the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It affects your ability to enjoy your home and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Stieferman Heating Company Inc will explain how to choose the best 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 satisfaction.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size differs from home to home. Your HVAC system needs enough heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely warm or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can lead to complications that make your home less agreeable.

Critical Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Jefferson City, MO

To select the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Stieferman Heating Company Inc 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 multiple features of your home, such as:

  • Square footage: The total area of the home is arguably the most significant factor in choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system be required to keep comfortable?
  • Home insulation: A properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature better, which can influence how much heating and cooling power you need.
  • Climate: The local climate in Jefferson City, MO, has an important role in determining the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates may require a system with a greater cooling capacity, while milder regions may require less.
  • Window 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 pane can greatly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that receives a lot of sunlight will inherently 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 impact the appropriate HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A common mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to focus only on square footage. Although the square footage of your home has a major impact on what size HVAC you need, other considerations also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is necessary to keep your home pleasant.

Another typical mistake is not hiring a professional. It's vital to have a qualified HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to find the right HVAC size.

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

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

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Reduced lifespan 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 cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your whole home, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Higher energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly 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 operates more efficiently and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an unnecessary expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your equipment, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Excessive indoor humidity: An HVAC system should control the moisture level in your home, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can result in indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Stieferman Heating Company Inc  

Now that you have learned some of the factors that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Stieferman Heating Company Inc is ready to help.

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

Call 573-635-3547 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Jefferson City, MO.