Finding the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It has a big impact on your ability to enjoy your home and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Air Temperature Control will explain how to determine the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why picking the ideal size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

What Impact Does HVAC System Size Make on 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 pleasant. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely scorching or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can create issues that make your home less enjoyable.

Crucial Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Macon, GA

To determine the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Air Temperature Control 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 factors, such as:

  • Square footage: The total area 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 be required to keep comfortable?
  • Home insulation: A fully insulated home maintains the indoor temperature better, which can impact how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Macon, GA, has a significant role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates might need a system with a greater cooling capacity, while milder 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 or double paned can significantly influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that gets a considerable sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the correct HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

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

Another typical mistake is not employing a professional. It's crucial to have an experienced HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to establish the right HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An improperly sized system can result in comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often run constantly to attempt to regulate the temperature of 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 are too weak to heat and cool your whole home, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Higher energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously 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 uses less power and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your equipment, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, 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 the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Air Temperature Control  

Now that you have learned some of the factors that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Air Temperature Control is here to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll evaluate your home to determine the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call 478-202-3170 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Macon, GA.