What size furnace do I need?

January 31, 2019

When you need to update your outdated furnace, it’s important to know that one size does not fit all. A system that is not sized appropriately for your home, will not only impact your comfort, but can mean a shortened life of your furnace, and leave you stuck with higher energy bills.

If you choose a unit oversized for your home, you’ll start to notice short cycles. The reason is that your oversized furnace heated your home too fast, turning off before the furnace can reach proper operating temperatures. An undersized or oversized system can lead to reduced lifespan and higher costs.

How can you be sure you know the correct furnace size for your home? Begin with a load calculation from the team at Northern Comfort Inc. A load calculation takes particulars from your home into review and identifies the Btu (a number that indicates the heating capacity of a furnace) required to heat your house.

Some Factors that Influence Furnace Size

  • Square Footage—How big is the area your furnace will need to heat? A technician will be sure to carefully measure the square footage of your home. Not every inch of your home needs to be accounted for during this process. Often, it is more beneficial to account only for the space that needs heating.
  • Home Insulation—Insulation works to keep warm air from leaving your home during the cold winter months. It also heavily affects energy efficiency and how large of a heating system will be necessary. Let the experts from Northern Comfort Inc review the insulation in your walls and attic. They’ll help you find a best furnace for your house.
  • Type of Window— Just like your walls, the certain type of windows in your home, frame type, glaze type, gas fills/spaces, etc. will play into what heating and cooling needs your home requires.
  • Outdoor Climate—Think about the range of weather you get in Mankato area. You’ll want a furnace that can handle the conditions of your climate every year, without overworking itself.

Don’t settle for ‘close enough’ when choosing your new furnace. Let the professionals at Northern Comfort Inc help you pick a solution that will fit your home properly. When you’re ready to start the process, call us at 507-387-6596 or arrange an appointment online. Whether you have some questions about furnace size or want to discuss options for your space, we’re happy to help you out.