Finding the right HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It has a big impact on your ability to enjoy your home and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. will explain how to determine the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why choosing the best size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

What Impact Does HVAC System Size Make on Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size is different for every 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 scorching or chilly weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can lead to complications that make your home less agreeable.

Critical Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Opelika, AL

To choose the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. carry out 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 total area 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?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can influence how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Opelika, AL, has a significant role in finding the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while milder regions may demand 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 impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that receives a substantial sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Home placement in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also impact the proper 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 major impact on what size HVAC you need, other elements also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is required to keep your home comfortable.

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's crucial to have an experienced HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to determine the correct HVAC size.

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

An improperly sized system can result in comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often operate continuously to strive to maintain the temperature in 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 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 far too cool.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop 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 uses less power and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your machine, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: An HVAC system should control the moisture level in your home, but an oversized HVAC system often completes its cycle before it has time 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 Farnell Mechanical, Inc.  

Now that you know 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. Farnell Mechanical, Inc. can help.

We’ll evaluate your home and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll analyze your home to determine the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can have a comfortable home every day of the year.

Call 334-524-2458 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Opelika, AL.