Selecting the right HVAC system size for your home is essential. It impacts your ability to enjoy your home and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Knoechel Heating 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.

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

Proper HVAC size is different for each 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 scorching or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, costs more up front and can lead to complications that make your home less enjoyable.

Crucial Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Zelienople, PA

To select the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Knoechel Heating carry out 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 several factors, such as:

  • Home size: The size of the home is arguably the most important factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to keep comfortable?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A fully insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can impact how much heating and cooling capacity you need.
  • Climate: The local climate in Zelienople, PA, has a significant role in finding the right size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while milder regions may demand less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double pane can significantly affect 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 impacts central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the correct HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A frequent mistake homeowners make when choosing the size of home HVAC system is to rely solely on square footage. While 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 required to keep your home pleasant.

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 determine the appropriate 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 closer look at the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often operate continuously to attempt to regulate the temperature of a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can lead to breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire residence, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and costing you money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system uses less power and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is a waste of money.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your machine, reducing 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 result in indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Knoechel Heating  

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. Knoechel Heating can help.

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

Call 724-425-5852 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Zelienople, PA.