Selecting the correct HVAC system size for your home is essential. It impacts your ability to enjoy your home and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Balance Point Heating & Cooling will explain how to choose the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why picking the ideal size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size is different from home to home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely warm or chilly weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, wastes money and can lead to complications that make your home less enjoyable.

Critical Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Harrisonville, MO

To choose the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Balance Point Heating & Cooling carry out a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are required to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates several features of your home, such as:

  • Square footage: The total area of the home is arguably the most important 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 properly insulated home retains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can affect how much heating and cooling capacity you demand.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Harrisonville, MO, plays an important role in finding the right size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates may require a system with an increased cooling capacity, while milder regions may demand less.
  • Window placement and size: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double paned can significantly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a considerable sunlight will automatically 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 correct HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A common mistake homeowners make when determining the size of their HVAC system is to rely solely on square footage. Although the square footage of your home has a big 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 vital 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 right HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

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

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • 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 unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems don't have enough power to heat and cool your whole home, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Higher energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, driving up your monthly power bills and costing you 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 unnecessary expense.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your machine, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, but an oversized HVAC system might not run long enough to accomplish that task. This can cause indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from Balance Point Heating & Cooling  

Now that you have learned some of the factors that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Balance Point Heating & Cooling is ready to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll analyze your home to find the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call 816-265-0448 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Harrisonville, MO.