Buying an HVAC system isn’t the same as buying another household appliance. There is a set of considerations you need to look into to make sure what you’re getting is what exactly your home needs. One of those considerations is the size. While some homeowners don’t pay much attention in terms of HVAC sizing, it is an essential part of the process.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your reliable HVAC company in Fridley MN. We have been helping homeowners choose the right HVAC systems in their homes using scientific methods, guaranteeing only the proper size is installed.
Why Consult with a Professional
We’re sure you will want a system that is both effective and efficient—it gives you the comfort you need while making sure it doesn’t waste energy. To do that, you need to work with a technician, who will determine the best system for your home.
One of the things to consider when sizing your HVAC system is the size of the space that needs to be heated or cooled. He will determine not only how large or small of a unit is required, but also the number and frequency of ducts to move the heated or cooled air throughout your home.
Properly Sizing an HVAC System
More than the space size and number of ducts, the technician will also consider other factors to properly size your new system.
Climate
Your region’s climate has a direct impact on your overall comfort. You won’t be needing a system that is too powerful if you live in a region with mild climates.
Insulation
Insulation influences your home’s ability to keep the heat in and the cold out in winter (and vise versa in summer). With better insulation, your HVAC unit will need less energy to do its job since insulation blocks the movement of heat. This improvement results in lower utility bills.
Number of Rooms and Levels
Since heat naturally rises, a room that has multiple levels is more challenging to heat than a room or house that only has one floor. Having two rooms of the same square footage won’t necessarily need the same furnace or AC size if they are not on the same level.
Windows
The position, number, and type of windows influence the amount of radiant heat coming through. Also, older, inefficient windows easily let out heated or cooled air.
Benefits of a Properly Sized HVAC System
Longer Lifespan
Your HVAC system is one of the major investments you will make for your family. You want to ensure that it lasts for its expected lifespan while operating smoothly. An oversized unit will work hard by short cycling, an issue where the unit takes a lot of energy to start each time the cycle begins. If the unit is undersized and running constantly, it will wear the system out too quickly, causing you to replace it much sooner. On the other hand, a properly sized system, coupled with proper maintenance, will help you get the most out of your HVAC systems.
Fewer Repairs
If the system is working too hard to deliver heated or cooled air, parts will begin to wear out prematurely. You’ll end up having to repair those parts on the HVAC system, which can be costly, and the inconvenience of a malfunction can leave your family feeling uncomfortable. You do not want your family to suffer the blistering cold of winter or the scorching heat of summer without your HVAC system working properly. With regular preventive maintenance on a properly sized system, you can easily avoid costly repairs and part replacements.
Better Efficiency
If the HVAC system is undersized, it will have to run all the time to reach the set temperature and sufficiently cool your home. That’s expensive!
When the system is properly sized, it will use far less energy to run and will efficiently and effectively heat or cool your living space. Running constantly with a small system or short-cycling with a large system wastes too much energy and increases your utility bills. Having a properly sized unit will run efficiently and keep your home comfortable.
Greater Comfort
If you ever walked into a house on a hot summer afternoon and felt like the temperature was cool enough, yet the inside felt sticky, you know you don’t want to experience such a problem in your home. It happens because the AC is sized wrongly. Not only does your AC cool your house, but it also pulls moisture from the air, resulting in lower inside humidity. If the system is oversized, it won’t run long enough to extract that moisture out of the air, leaving you feeling overly humidified.
When the system is oversized, it will turn on and off quickly. As mentioned earlier, this issue is called short cycling and leads to poor circulation and airflow. Over time, your home will begin to feel stale, stuffy, humid, and uncomfortable—and you don’t want that for your family. You don’t have to experience these issues with a properly sized unit, which will effectively handle moisture to help you feel much more comfortable.
Ask the HVAC Sizing Experts
To ensure the right-sized HVAC system is installed in your home, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. It would be our pleasure to work with you and find the perfect furnace, AC, or heat pump that meets your needs and consumes the least energy. We are your trusted St. Louis Park heating and air conditioning company.