Choosing the appropriate 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 Pratt Brothers will explain how to choose the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why choosing the best size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

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 cozy. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely scorching or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can create issues that make your home less agreeable.

Critical Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Jefferson, WI

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

  • Square footage: The size of the home is arguably the most significant factor in picking 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 maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can impact how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Jefferson, WI, plays a significant role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with an increased cooling capacity, while milder regions may require less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double pane can greatly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that receives a considerable sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also impact the proper HVAC size.

HVAC Size Mistakes Homeowners Often Make

A frequent 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 significant impact on what size HVAC you need, other elements also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is necessary to keep your home comfortable.

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's crucial to have a skilled HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to find the correct HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An improperly sized system can result in comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Shorter system life 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 uncomfortable 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 chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Higher energy expenses: 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 operates more efficiently and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an avoidable expense.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized 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.
  • 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 cause indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Pratt Brothers  

Now that you know some of the aspects of your home that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Pratt Brothers can help.

We’ll evaluate your home and provide you with 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 have a comfortable home every day of the year.

Call 920-347-8495 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Jefferson, WI.