Selecting the right HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It affects your comfort and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Air Current AC & Heat 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 most suitable size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

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

Key Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Houston, TX

To choose the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Air Current AC & Heat 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:

  • Home size: 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 keep comfortable?
  • Home insulation: A fully insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can affect how much heating and cooling capacity you demand.
  • Climate: The local climate in Houston, TX, plays an important role in determining the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates might need a system with a higher cooling capacity, while cooler regions may demand 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 considerably impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that gets a substantial sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects 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 base their decision on square footage. While 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 comfortable.

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

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An improperly sized system can cause comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often operate continuously to try to heat or cool a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire residence, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, driving 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.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Less service life 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, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system might not run long enough 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 Air Current AC & Heat  

Now that you understand some of the things that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Air Current AC & Heat 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 identify the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 713-322-4318 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Houston, TX.