Choosing the right HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It has a big impact on your comfort and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Watts Electric & AC will explain how to choose the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why selecting the ideal size HVAC is so important to your convenience.

What Impact Does HVAC System Size Make on Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size varies for each home. Your HVAC system needs enough heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely hot or chilly weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, costs more up front and can create issues that make your home less comfortable.

Critical Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Columbia, MS

To determine the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Watts Electric & AC conduct a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are needed to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates several elements, such as:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most crucial 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 properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can affect how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Columbia, MS, plays an important role in finding the correct size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates may require a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler 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 considerably influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that receives a substantial 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 affect the appropriate HVAC size.

HVAC Size Mistakes Homeowners Often Make

A frequent mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to focus only on square footage. Although the square footage of your home has a significant impact on what size HVAC you need, other considerations 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 carry out a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to find the appropriate HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An improperly sized system can lead to comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often seem to run all the time to attempt to regulate the temperature of a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your whole home, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Higher energy expenses: 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.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an unnecessary expense.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your machine, reducing 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 cause indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from Watts Electric & AC  

Now that you understand some of the things that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Watts Electric & AC can help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll evaluate your home to find the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 601-736-7362 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Columbia, MS.