Finding the right HVAC system size for your home is essential. It has a big impact on your comfort and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Gilray Heating and Cooling will explain how to select the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why selecting the best size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

What Impact Does HVAC System Size Make on 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 pleasant. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely hot or chilly weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, costs more up front and can cause problems that make your home less comfortable.

Crucial Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Wausau, WI

To choose the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Gilray Heating and Cooling perform 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 choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to heat and cool?
  • Home insulation: A well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can impact how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Wausau, WI, plays a significant role in identifying the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while chillier regions may require 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 pane can greatly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that gets a lot of sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Home placement in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the correct HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake homeowners make when choosing the size of home HVAC system is to base their decision on square footage. While the square footage of your home has a big impact on what size HVAC you need, other factors 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 vital to have a qualified HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to find the appropriate HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An improperly sized system can result in comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often run constantly to try to heat or cool a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can lead to breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire living space, which can cause 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, increasing 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.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an unnecessary expense.
  • Shorter system 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 equipment, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: An HVAC system should control the moisture level in your home, 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, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Gilray Heating and Cooling  

Now that you know some of the things that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Gilray Heating and 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 identify the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 715-301-0727 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Wausau, WI.