Finding the right HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It impacts your home enjoyment and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Northern Comfort Inc will explain how to select the right 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 convenience.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size varies for each home. Your HVAC system needs enough heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely warm or chilly 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.

Crucial Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Mankato, MN

To determine the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Northern Comfort Inc conduct a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are needed to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates multiple factors, such as:

  • Home size: The total area of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system be required to heat and cool?
  • Home insulation: A fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can influence how much heating and cooling power you demand.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Mankato, MN, plays a major role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may need less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double pane can considerably influence 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. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the appropriate HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent mistake homeowners make when choosing the size of home 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 engaging a professional. It's vital 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 incorrectly sized system can lead to comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a deep dive into 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 run constantly to try to heat or cool a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can lead to breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant 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.
  • Higher energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly trying to keep up uses more energy, running up 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.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an avoidable expense.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your machine, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should control the moisture level in your home, but an oversized HVAC system might not run long enough to accomplish that task. This can cause indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from Northern Comfort Inc  

Now that you understand some of the things that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Northern Comfort Inc is here 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 determine the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call 507-387-6596 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Mankato, MN.