Selecting the correct HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It impacts your comfort and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC will explain how to choose the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why picking the ideal size HVAC is so important to your convenience.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size varies from home to home. Your HVAC system needs enough heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely warm or frigid 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 agreeable.

Critical Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Ellsworth, WI

To determine the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC 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 elements, such as:

  • Square footage: The size 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 have to heat and cool?
  • Amount of insulation: A properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can influence how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Climate: The local climate in Ellsworth, WI, has a significant role in finding the right size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while milder regions may need less.
  • Window placement and size: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double paned can greatly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a substantial sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the appropriate HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake homeowners make when sizing their own 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 necessary to keep your home pleasant.

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

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An inadequately sized system can result in comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often run constantly to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems don't have enough power to heat and cool your whole home, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Increased energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously 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.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an unnecessary expense.
  • 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, 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 lead to indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC  

Now that you know some of the things that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC 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 find the best HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 715-318-6728 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Ellsworth, WI.