Selecting the right HVAC system size for your home is essential. It impacts your ability to enjoy your home and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning will explain how to choose the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why selecting the ideal size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size is different from home to home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely scorching or chilly weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, costs more up front and can cause problems that make your home less agreeable.

Crucial Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Tucker, GA

To determine the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning perform 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 multiple features of your home, such as:

  • Square footage: The total area of the home is arguably the most significant factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to heat and cool?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can affect how much heating and cooling capacity you demand.
  • Climate: The local climate in Tucker, GA, plays a significant role in determining the right size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while milder regions may need less.
  • Number of windows: 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 greatly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun exposure: A home that receives a lot of 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 impact the correct HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to focus only on square footage. While 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 engaging 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 find the correct HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An improperly sized system can cause comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often seem to run all the time to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can lead to breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant 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 uncomfortably cold.
  • Higher energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and costing you money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system uses less power and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Shorter system 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, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: 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 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 ACS Heating and Air Conditioning  

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. ACS Heating and Air Conditioning 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 most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 770-450-1539 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Tucker, GA.