Selecting the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is essential. It affects your home enjoyment and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning will explain how to determine the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why selecting the best size HVAC is so important to your convenience.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for 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 comfortable. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely warm or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can lead to complications that make your home less comfortable.

Critical Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Streamwood, IL

To choose the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning 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:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to heat and cool?
  • Amount of insulation: A fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can influence how much heating and cooling capacity you need.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Streamwood, IL, has a major role in finding the right size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may need less.
  • Window placement and 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 significantly influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that receives a considerable sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the correct HVAC size.

HVAC Size Mistakes Homeowners Often Make

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

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's vital to have a skilled HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to find the right HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An inadequately sized system can result in comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often seem to run all the time to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to more wear and tear. This can lead to breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your whole home, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • 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 operates more efficiently and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an avoidable expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized 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.
  • Excessive indoor humidity: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, 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 Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning  

Now that you understand some of the aspects of your home that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help.

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

Call 630-313-2509 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Streamwood, IL.