Choosing the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It affects your ability to enjoy your home and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Kilbourne Heating & AC will explain how to choose the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why selecting the ideal size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your 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 struggle to keep up in extremely warm 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.

Key Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Delray Beach, FL

To choose the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Kilbourne Heating & AC 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 several features of your home, such as:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most significant factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to keep comfortable?
  • Amount of insulation: A well- insulated home retains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you need.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Delray Beach, FL, has a significant role in identifying the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may need less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double pane can greatly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that receives a lot of sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the proper HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake homeowners make when determining the size of their HVAC system is to base their decision on square footage. While the square footage of your home has a significant impact on what size HVAC you need, other elements also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is necessary to keep your home comfortable.

Another typical mistake is not employing a professional. It's essential to have an experienced HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to determine the appropriate HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An improperly sized system can lead to comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often operate continuously 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 uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your entire living space, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system consumes less energy and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an avoidable expense.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can cause wear and tear on your machine, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime 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 Kilbourne Heating & AC  

Now that you know some of the aspects of your home that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Kilbourne Heating & AC 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 determine the best HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call 561-287-7071 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Delray Beach, FL.