Selecting the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It has a big impact on your home enjoyment and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at PS Cool Heat will explain how to determine the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why picking the most suitable 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 each 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 cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, wastes money and can lead to complications that make your home less enjoyable.

Critical Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in , CO

To determine the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at PS Cool Heat perform 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 several features of your home, such as:

  • Home size: The total area of the home is arguably the most significant factor in choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to keep comfortable?
  • Amount of insulation: A well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can affect how much heating and cooling capacity you demand.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in , CO, plays an important role in finding the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates might need a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may demand less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double pane can significantly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun exposure: A home that gets a considerable sunlight will automatically 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 correct HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A common mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to focus only 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 necessary to keep your home cozy.

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

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

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

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often run constantly to try to heat or cool a home, leading to more wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your whole home, 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 operates nonstop trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and costing you 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

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is a waste of money.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your machine, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: 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 Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from PS Cool Heat  

Now that you understand some of the factors that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. PS Cool Heat is here to help.

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

Call 720-613-2210 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in , CO.