Selecting the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It affects your comfort and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Haselhoff Air Solutions will explain how to select the correct 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 varies from home to home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely hot or cold 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.

Key Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Ames, IA

To select the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Haselhoff Air Solutions conduct a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are necessary to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates several features of your home, such as:

  • Square footage: The size of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to keep comfortable?
  • Home insulation: A fully insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you need.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Ames, IA, has an important role in finding the correct size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may require less.
  • Window placement and size: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double paned can significantly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that gets a lot of sunlight will naturally 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 impact the correct HVAC size.

HVAC Size Mistakes Homeowners Often Make

A frequent mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to focus only on square footage. While the square footage of your home has a major impact on what size HVAC you need, other elements also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is necessary to keep your home pleasant.

Another typical mistake is not hiring a professional. It's vital to have a skilled HVAC technician carry out a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to determine the appropriate HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An improperly 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:

  • Reduced lifespan 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 result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire residence, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop trying to keep up uses more energy, driving up your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system uses less power and helps to lower 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 needs is an avoidable expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can cause wear and tear on your equipment, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Excessive indoor humidity: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can result in indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Haselhoff Air Solutions  

Now that you have learned some of the factors that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Haselhoff Air Solutions is ready to 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 ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call 515-450-8739 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Ames, IA.