What size furnace do I need?

January 31, 2019

When the time comes to update your outdated furnace, it’s important to know that one size does not fit all. A system that is not sized correctly for your home, will not only hurt your comfort, but can lead to shortened life of your furnace, and leave you with larger energy costs.

If you select a system oversized for your space, you’ll start to run into short cycles. This is because your oversized furnace heated your home too quickly, turning off before the furnace can reach proper operating temperatures. An undersized or oversized system can lead to shortened lifespan and bigger expenses.

How can you be certain about the right furnace size for your home? Start with a load calculation from the team at Gilray Heating and Cooling. A load calculation takes particulars from your home into account and measures the Btu (a number that indicates the heating capacity of a furnace) necessary to heat your house.

Some Things that Influence Furnace Size

  • Square Footage—What size is the area your furnace will be heating? A technician will be sure to carefully measure the square footage of your home. Not every inch of your home needs to be accounted for during this process. Usually, it is more beneficial to account only for the space that needs heating.
  • Home Insulation—Insulation works to keep warm air from leaving your home through the cold winter months. It also heavily affects energy efficiency and how large of a heating system will be necessary. Let the professionals from Gilray Heating and Cooling review the insulation in your walls and attic. They’ll help you find a perfect furnace for your house.
  • Type of Window— Just like your walls, the specific type of windows in your home, frame type, glaze type, gas fills/spaces, etc. will influence your heating and cooling requirements.
  • Outdoor Climate—Think about the range of weather you receive in Wausau. You’ll want a furnace that can keep up with the conditions of your area every year, without overworking itself.

Don’t settle for ‘close enough’ when selecting your new furnace. Let the qualified technicians at Gilray Heating and Cooling help you identify a unit that will fit your home properly. When you’re ready to get started, call us at 715-301-0727 or schedule an appointment online. Whether you have a few more questions about furnace size or want to chat about options for your space, our team is happy to help you out.