Finding the right HVAC system size for your home is essential. It impacts your comfort and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Controlled Comfort HVAC will explain how to determine the best 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 satisfaction.

What Impact Does HVAC System Size Make on Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size varies for each home. Your HVAC system needs enough heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely hot or chilly 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 Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Carpentersville, IL

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

  • Home size: The total area of the home is arguably the most significant factor in choosing 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 retains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can impact how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Carpentersville, IL, has a major role in identifying the right size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while milder regions may require less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double pane can significantly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a considerable 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 impact the correct HVAC size.

HVAC Size Mistakes Homeowners Often Make

A common 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 significant impact on what size HVAC you need, other factors also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is necessary to keep your home cozy.

Another typical mistake is not employing a professional. It's crucial to have a skilled HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to establish the correct HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An incorrectly sized system can lead to comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a deep dive into 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 seem to run all the time to attempt to regulate the temperature of a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your entire residence, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Higher energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly trying to keep up uses more energy, running up your monthly power bills and costing you money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system operates more efficiently and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an unnecessary expense.
  • Less service life 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 machine, shortening 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 cause indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Controlled Comfort HVAC  

Now that you have learned some of the factors that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Controlled Comfort HVAC is here to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll analyze your home to determine the best HVAC system size for you, so you can have a comfortable home every day of the year.

Call 224-412-8308 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Carpentersville, IL.