Finding the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is essential. It affects your comfort and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at GV Heating & Air will explain how to determine the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why choosing the ideal size HVAC is so important to your convenience.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size is different from home to home. Your HVAC system needs sufficient heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely warm or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, wastes money and can create issues that make your home less agreeable.

Key Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Crystal, MN

To determine the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at GV Heating & Air conduct 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 features of your home, such as:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to keep comfortable?
  • Amount of insulation: A well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can impact how much heating and cooling capacity you demand.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Crystal, MN, has a major role in finding the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates might need a system with a greater cooling capacity, while chillier regions may require less.
  • Window size: 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 greatly influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that receives a considerable 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 proper HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A common mistake homeowners make when choosing the size of home HVAC system is to base their decision on square footage. While the square footage of your home has a big 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 vital to have a skilled HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to establish the correct HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An inadequately sized system can result in comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often operate continuously to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to excessive 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 result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Higher energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly 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 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 investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an unnecessary expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized 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.
  • Excessive indoor humidity: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can result in indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with GV Heating & Air  

Now that you have learned some of the things that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. GV Heating & Air is here to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll evaluate your home to find the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call 763-535-2000 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Crystal, MN.