Selecting the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It impacts your comfort and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning will explain how to choose the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why selecting the ideal size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size varies for each home. Your HVAC system needs adequate 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 oversized is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can cause problems that make your home less comfortable.

Crucial Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Arlington, WA

To choose the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning conduct 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 features of your home, such as:

  • Square footage: The size of the home is arguably the most significant factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to keep comfortable?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A well- insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can influence how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Arlington, WA, has a major role in finding the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may demand less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double paned can significantly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that receives a lot of sunlight will naturally 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 impact the appropriate HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake homeowners make when determining the size of their HVAC system is to base their decision on square footage. While the square footage of your home has a major impact on what size HVAC you need, other factors also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is required to keep your home cozy.

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 aspects of your home into consideration to determine the correct HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An incorrectly sized system can cause comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often seem to run all the time to try to heat or cool a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant 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, driving up your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system operates more efficiently and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an avoidable expense.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large 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, such as mold growth.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning  

Now that you have learned some of the aspects of your home that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll assess 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 360-255-5857 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Arlington, WA.