Choosing the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is essential. It has a big impact on your home enjoyment and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at James Heating & A/C, Inc will explain how to choose the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why picking 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 varies for every home. Your HVAC system needs enough heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely hot or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, costs more up front and can create issues that make your home less comfortable.

Critical Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Lexington, NC

To determine the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at James Heating & A/C, Inc perform a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are needed 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 important factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system be required to keep comfortable?
  • Home insulation: A properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can influence how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Climate: The local climate in Lexington, NC, plays a significant role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may need 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 considerably impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun exposure: A home that gets a lot of sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the appropriate HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent mistake homeowners make when choosing the size of home HVAC system is to base their decision on square footage. While the square footage of your home has a big impact on what size HVAC you need, other elements also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is necessary to keep your home cozy.

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's vital to have a skilled HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to establish the appropriate HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An incorrectly sized system can lead to comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often operate continuously to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to more wear and tear. This can lead to 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 cause 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, driving up your monthly power bills and costing you 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 are usually more costly, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an avoidable expense.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your machine, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, but an oversized HVAC system might not run long enough to accomplish that task. This can lead to indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at James Heating & A/C, Inc  

Now that you have learned some of the factors that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. James Heating & A/C, Inc 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 determine the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can have a comfortable home every day of the year.

Call 336-853-6070 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Lexington, NC.