Selecting the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It affects your home enjoyment and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning will explain how to select the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why selecting the best size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

What Impact Does HVAC System Size Make on 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 have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely warm or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, costs more up front and can create issues that make your home less enjoyable.

Critical Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Iowa City, IA

To determine the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning conduct 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 multiple factors, such as:

  • Home size: 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 retains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you need.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Iowa City, IA, plays an important role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates might need a system with a greater cooling capacity, while milder regions may need less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double pane can considerably impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun exposure: A home that gets a lot of sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the appropriate HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake homeowners make when determining the size of their HVAC system is to focus only on square footage. Although the square footage of your home has a major 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 employing a professional. It's crucial to have a skilled HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to determine the right HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

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

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often operate continuously to try to heat or cool a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire residence, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • 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 lower your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an unnecessary expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your equipment, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Excessive indoor humidity: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can cause indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning  

Now that you understand some of the factors that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you 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 experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 319-337-3520 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Iowa City, IA.