Choosing the right HVAC system size for your home is vital. It impacts your home enjoyment and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning will explain how to choose the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why choosing 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 adequate 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 frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, costs more up front and can lead to complications that make your home less agreeable.

Crucial Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Kearney, NE

To choose the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning 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 factors, such as:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most important factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to keep comfortable?
  • Home insulation: A properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature better, which can influence how much heating and cooling power you demand.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Kearney, NE, plays a significant role in finding the right size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates may require a system with a greater cooling capacity, while cooler regions may require 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 pane can greatly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that receives a considerable sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the appropriate HVAC size.

HVAC Size Mistakes Homeowners Often Make

A frequent 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 considerations also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is required to keep your home pleasant.

Another typical mistake is not employing a professional. It's vital to have an experienced HVAC technician carry out a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to find the correct HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An incorrectly sized system can lead to comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power 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 residence, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Higher energy expenses: 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 consumes less energy and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an avoidable expense.
  • Less service life 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 equipment, shortening 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 may lack adequate runtime 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 Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning  

Now that you have learned some of the things that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning 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 find the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 308-624-3485 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Kearney, NE.