Finding the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It impacts your home enjoyment and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC 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 best size HVAC is so important to your convenience.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your 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 hot or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can lead to complications that make your home less enjoyable.

Critical Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Smyrna, DE

To select the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC carry out 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 features of your home, such as:

  • Square footage: The total area of the home is arguably the most significant factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system be required to heat and cool?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can influence how much heating and cooling power you need.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Smyrna, DE, has a significant role in determining the right size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may need less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a considerable 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 exposure: A home that gets a lot of sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects central air sizing. Home placement in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the proper HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common 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 required to keep your home cozy.

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 aspects of your home into consideration to establish the appropriate HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An inadequately sized system can result in comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small 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 unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your whole home, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Increased energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop 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 operates more efficiently and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so investing in 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 machine, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: 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 lead to indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC  

Now that you know some of the factors that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC is ready to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll analyze your home to find the best HVAC system size for you, so you can have a comfortable home every day of the year.

Call 302-653-0503 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Smyrna, DE.