Selecting the correct HVAC system size for your home is vital. It has a big impact on your ability to enjoy your home and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Bigfoot Heating & Cooling will explain how to determine the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why selecting the best size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size is different from home to home. Your HVAC system needs enough 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 big is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can cause problems that make your home less enjoyable.

Crucial Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Spokane, WA

To select the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Bigfoot Heating & Cooling perform 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 total area of the home is arguably the most important factor in choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to keep comfortable?
  • Amount of insulation: A properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you demand.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Spokane, WA, has an important role in determining the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may require less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double paned can greatly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that receives a lot of sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence 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 rely solely on square footage. While 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 required to keep your home cozy.

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's crucial to have a qualified HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to determine the correct HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

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

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often seem to run all the time to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems don't have enough power to heat and cool your whole home, 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 operates more efficiently and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an avoidable expense.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your equipment, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should control the moisture level in your home, but an oversized HVAC system often completes its cycle before it has time to accomplish that task. This can result in indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Bigfoot Heating & Cooling  

Now that you know some of the things that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Bigfoot Heating & Cooling can help.

We’ll evaluate your home and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll assess your home to find the best HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 509-392-8770 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Spokane, WA.