Finding the correct HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It affects your comfort and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Airtech Cooling & Heating will explain how to determine the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why choosing the best size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size is different for every 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 hot or chilly weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, costs more up front and can cause problems that make your home less comfortable.

Crucial Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Sarasota, FL

To choose the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Airtech Cooling & Heating conduct 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 elements, such as:

  • Home size: The total area of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to keep comfortable?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Sarasota, FL, has a major role in finding the right size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates might need a system with a higher cooling capacity, while cooler regions may demand 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 exposure: A home that gets a lot of sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Home placement in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the appropriate HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

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

Another typical mistake is not hiring a professional. It's vital to have a skilled HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to find the appropriate HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An incorrectly sized system can cause comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • 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 cause 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 cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Higher energy expenses: 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 lower your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an avoidable expense.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your machine, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, but an oversized HVAC system often completes its cycle before it has time to accomplish that task. This can result in indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Airtech Cooling & Heating  

Now that you have learned 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. Airtech Cooling & Heating can help.

We’ll evaluate your home and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll assess 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 941-377-7956 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Sarasota, FL.