
Finding the right HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It impacts your ability to enjoy your home and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Verona HVAC will explain how to determine the correct 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 convenience.
Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency
Proper HVAC size varies from home to 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 warm or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, wastes money and can cause problems that make your home less agreeable.
Critical Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Santa Clarita, CA
To select the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Verona HVAC 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 factors, such as:
- Home size: The size of the home is arguably the most important factor in choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to keep comfortable?
- Home insulation: A properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you need.
- Climate: The local climate in Santa Clarita, CA, has an important role in identifying the right size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates may require a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may require 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 considerably affect heating and cooling requirements.
- Sun and shade: A home that gets a substantial 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 affect the correct HVAC size.
Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes
A common 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 big impact on what size HVAC you need, other considerations also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is necessary to keep your home cozy.
Another typical mistake is not employing a professional. It's vital to have an experienced HVAC technician carry out a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to determine the correct HVAC size.
Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?
An inadequately sized system can cause comfort problems and increase expenses. 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 seem to run all the time to attempt to regulate the temperature of a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
- An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems don't have enough power to heat and cool your entire living space, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
- Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly 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 reduce your monthly bills.
Issues from oversized HVAC systems
- Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an unnecessary expense.
- Shorter system 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 often completes its cycle before it has time to accomplish that task. This can lead to indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.
Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from Verona HVAC
Now that you understand some of the factors that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Verona HVAC is ready to help.
We’ll evaluate your home and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll evaluate your home to identify the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can have a comfortable home every day of the year.
Call 661-475-1042 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Santa Clarita, CA.