Selecting the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It affects your comfort and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Lakeside Heating & Air will explain how to choose the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why picking the best size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

What Impact Does HVAC System Size Make on Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size is different from home to home. Your HVAC system needs sufficient heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely hot or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can lead to complications that make your home less agreeable.

Key Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Chelan, WA

To determine the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Lakeside Heating & Air perform a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are required to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates several factors, such as:

  • Home size: The size of the home is arguably the most important factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to heat and cool?
  • Amount of insulation: A properly insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can impact how much heating and cooling capacity you need.
  • Climate: The local climate in Chelan, WA, has a significant role in determining the right size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may require less.
  • Window placement and size: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double paned can greatly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a considerable sunlight will inherently 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 influence the proper HVAC size.

HVAC Size Mistakes Homeowners Often Make

A common mistake homeowners make when choosing the size of home 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 elements also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is required to keep your home pleasant.

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's vital to have an experienced HVAC technician carry out a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to establish the appropriate HVAC size.

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

An improperly sized system can lead to comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often operate continuously to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to increased 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 lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and costing you money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system consumes less energy and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your equipment, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Excessive indoor humidity: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can result in indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Lakeside Heating & Air  

Now that you have learned some of the things that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Lakeside Heating & Air can 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 best HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 509-284-4265 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Chelan, WA.