Choosing the correct HVAC system size for your home is vital. It impacts your home enjoyment and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing will explain how to choose the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why selecting the most suitable size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

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 pleasant. 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 cause problems that make your home less comfortable.

Critical Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in McPherson, KS

To determine the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing 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 multiple factors, such as:

  • Square footage: 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?
  • Home insulation: A well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can impact how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Climate: The local climate in McPherson, KS, plays a major role in determining the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may require less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double pane can considerably impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that receives a considerable 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 influence the appropriate HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A common mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to base their decision 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 comfortable.

Another typical mistake is not employing a professional. It's crucial to have a qualified HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to determine the appropriate HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An improperly sized system can cause comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often operate continuously 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 uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your entire living space, which can result in 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, running up your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system uses less power and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is a waste of money.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your equipment, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased 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 result in indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing  

Now that you understand some of the aspects of your home that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing can help.

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

Call 620-209-5030 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in McPherson, KS.