Finding the correct HVAC system size for your home is essential. It impacts your home enjoyment and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Classic Air will explain how to select the right 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 comfort.

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 struggle to keep up in extremely hot or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, costs more up front and can cause problems that make your home less agreeable.

Critical Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Columbus, OH

To select the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Classic Air perform a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are necessary to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates several elements, such as:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most important factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to heat and cool?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can affect how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Columbus, OH, plays a major role in identifying the right size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while chillier regions may demand less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double pane can greatly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that receives a substantial sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects central air sizing. Home placement in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the appropriate HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A frequent mistake homeowners make when choosing the size of home HVAC system is to focus only 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 comfortable.

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's crucial to have a qualified HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to find the appropriate HVAC size.

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

An inadequately sized system can lead to comfort problems and cost you money. 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 increased wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your entire living space, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Higher energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop trying to keep up uses more energy, driving up your monthly power bills and costing you money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system uses less power and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can cause wear and tear on your equipment, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, 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 Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from Classic Air  

Now that you have learned 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. Classic Air 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 identify the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 614-210-3041 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Columbus, OH.