Selecting the correct HVAC system size for your home is essential. It impacts your home enjoyment and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning will explain how to determine 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 convenience.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size varies from home to home. Your HVAC system needs enough heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely warm or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, wastes money and can cause problems that make your home less agreeable.

Critical Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Moline, IL

To determine the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning carry out 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 factors, 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 be required to heat and cool?
  • Home insulation: A well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can impact how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Moline, IL, has an important role in finding the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may require 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 paned or double pane can considerably affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that receives a considerable sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the appropriate HVAC size.

HVAC Size Mistakes Homeowners Often Make

A frequent mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to focus only on square footage. Although the square footage of your home has a significant impact on what size HVAC you need, other factors 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 essential to have a skilled HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to establish the right HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

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:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often operate continuously to try to heat or cool a home, leading to more wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems don't have enough power to heat and cool your entire living space, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop 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 consumes less energy and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your machine, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should control the moisture level in your home, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can lead to indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Freed Heating & Air Conditioning  

Now that you know 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. Freed Heating & Air Conditioning can help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you 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 309-323-9584 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Moline, IL.