What Size HVAC System Do I Need?

maintenance on an AC unit

When you are trying to save money on your energy bills and home improvement, the idea that "bigger is better" does not necessarily apply. If you are in the market for quality HVAC products, you want to strike the right balance between adequacy and overkill. It's critical to calculate the square footage of your home to figure out the exact size of the system you need. Once you figure out the size you need you can then begin the installation process.

What Happens If My HVAC System Is Too Small?

An HVAC system that is too small will have a hard time heating or cooling the desired space. It will continuously run with little to no success. When you purchase a system that is too small you will find that your energy bills are extremely high, and you will have a hard time sufficient cooling or heating your home. It is never a good idea to go with an HVAC system that is too small for your needs.

What Happens if My HVAC System Is too Big?

The obvious is that you would pay more "buck" for "bang" that you can't really use. Most don't realize units that are too big can be inferior in performance. Part of what makes HVAC systems so useful is that they remove moisture from the air. When you purchase a system that is too big it will cool the room extremely fast without leaving the room more humid than it would have had the cycle run longer.

How to Estimate HVAC Usage

Now that you know why it is so important to find the right size system for your home, how then do you go about finding the right size? We can tell you how to make estimates, but you should contact a professional and use their calculation. There are general rules of thumb to follow, but every home is different. The number of windows vary from home to home. Insulation, ductwork, climate conditions, layout, etc. all vary. Contact a professional for an accurate measurement.

rooftop AC units

This might prove to be a major deterrent for some, but you will have to do is a little math. The type of system you are installing determines what type of math you need to do. If you don't know the square footage of your home, you must calculate it. Square feet = length x width:

According to some, if you are wanting to install an AC unit in a home you will need to multiply the size of the room by 25BTU. So if you are wanting to cool a 300 square foot room you would multiply 25x300=7500. Then you know you will need a 7500BTU air conditioner.

In another article, we covered a method for calculating heat load. Again, not the most reliable way to determine your needs, but it is useful for preparing a budget. Maybe you're not ready to have an HVAC tech come out, but you want to estimate how much installation is going to cost. What size HVAC system do I need and how long will it take me to save up for a quality unit?

The Benefits of the Right Size HVAC System

There are so many benefits to finding the right size HVAC system for your home. Not only will the right system give you maximum performance, but it will keep your energy bills low, and your comfort high. If you want to experience true serenity in your home it's vital that you find an HVAC system that works for you today.

Related resources:
How to Change a Furnace Filter
Swamp Cooler vs. AC Unit
What Are the Advantages of a Heat Pump
AC Unit Maintenance Tips

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