Finding the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is essential. It impacts your home enjoyment and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at JW Brager Heating and Cooling will explain how to choose the right 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 comfort.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size is different for every home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn't struggle 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 cause problems that make your home less enjoyable.

Critical Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Mount Horeb, WI

To determine the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at JW Brager Heating and Cooling carry out 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 factors, such as:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most important factor in choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to keep comfortable?
  • Home insulation: A properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature better, which can influence how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Mount Horeb, WI, plays a significant role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with a greater cooling capacity, while cooler regions may need less.
  • Number of windows: 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 significantly influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a considerable sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the proper HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A common 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 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 hiring a professional. It's essential to have a skilled HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to find the right HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An improperly sized system can cause comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often run constantly 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 entire living space, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Increased energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system uses less power and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an unnecessary expense.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your machine, reducing 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 might not run long enough to accomplish that task. This can result in indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from JW Brager Heating and Cooling  

Now that you have learned some of the things that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. JW Brager Heating and Cooling is ready to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll assess your home to identify the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can have a comfortable home every day of the year.

Call 608-447-0555 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Mount Horeb, WI.