Selecting the right HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It affects your ability to enjoy your home and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling will explain how to choose the correct 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.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size differs from home to home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely hot or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, costs more up front and can lead to complications that make your home less agreeable.

Key Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Johnston, IA

To select the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling carry out 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 several elements, such as:

  • Size of the home: The total area of the home is arguably the most important factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to heat and cool?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A properly insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you need.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Johnston, IA, has an important role in finding the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while chillier 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 or double paned can significantly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun exposure: A home that receives a lot of sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also impact the proper HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A common mistake homeowners make when determining the size of their HVAC system is to rely solely 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 required to keep your home comfortable.

Another typical mistake is not hiring a professional. It's essential to have a qualified 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 improperly sized system can result in comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often run constantly 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 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.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop trying to keep up uses more energy, driving up 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.

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 requires is an unnecessary expense.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often start and stop frequently, 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 result in indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling  

Now that you know some of the factors that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can help.

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

Call 515-278-2900 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Johnston, IA.