Choosing the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is essential. It affects your home enjoyment and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at AW Heating & Air Conditioning will explain how to choose the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why choosing the best size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

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 cozy. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely scorching or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, costs more up front and can create issues that make your home less enjoyable.

Crucial Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Lincoln, NE

To determine the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at AW Heating & Air Conditioning carry out 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 multiple elements, such as:

  • Square footage: The size 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 keep comfortable?
  • Home insulation: A properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can impact how much heating and cooling power you need.
  • Climate: The local climate in Lincoln, NE, has a major role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may demand less.
  • Number of windows: 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 affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that receives a substantial sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the appropriate 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 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 hiring a professional. It's essential to have a qualified HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to determine the appropriate HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An incorrectly sized system can result in comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a closer look at 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 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 are too weak to heat and cool your entire residence, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly trying to keep up uses more energy, running up your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system consumes less energy and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an avoidable expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can cause wear and tear on your machine, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system might not run long enough to accomplish that task. This can lead to indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with AW Heating & Air Conditioning  

Now that you understand some of the things that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. AW Heating & Air Conditioning 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 find the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 402-438-7992 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Lincoln, NE.