Choosing the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It affects your ability to enjoy your home and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling will explain how to determine the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why selecting the ideal size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

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

Proper HVAC size varies from home to home. Your HVAC system needs sufficient 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 big is inefficient, costs more up front and can lead to complications that make your home less comfortable.

Key Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Rockford, IL

To select the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling carry out 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 elements, such as:

  • Size of the home: 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 be required to keep comfortable?
  • Home insulation: A fully insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you demand.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Rockford, IL, plays a significant role in finding the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with an increased cooling capacity, while milder regions may need less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double paned can considerably impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun exposure: A home that receives a substantial sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the correct HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A frequent mistake homeowners make when choosing the size of home HVAC system is to rely solely on square footage. Although the square footage of your home has a significant impact on what size HVAC you need, other considerations also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is required to keep your home cozy.

Another typical mistake is not hiring a professional. It's essential to have a skilled HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to establish the right HVAC size.

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

An improperly sized system can lead to comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often seem to run all the time to try to heat or cool a home, leading to more 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 whole home, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Higher energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system operates more efficiently 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 investing in 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 result in wear and tear on your machine, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, 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 Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling  

Now that you have learned 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. Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling is ready to 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 most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call (815) 914-6197 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Rockford, IL.