Selecting the correct HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It impacts your home enjoyment and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Stellitano Home Services will explain how to select the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why choosing the most suitable size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size differs for each home. Your HVAC system needs sufficient heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely scorching or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, costs more up front and can lead to complications that make your home less comfortable.

Crucial Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Lambertville, NJ

To determine the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Stellitano Home Services 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 multiple features of your home, such as:

  • Home size: The size 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 have to keep comfortable?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can impact how much heating and cooling capacity you need.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Lambertville, NJ, plays a major role in identifying the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while cooler regions may demand 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 paned or double paned can significantly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: 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 appropriate HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A frequent mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to focus only on square footage. Although the square footage of your home has a major 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 employing a professional. It's vital to have a qualified HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to find the appropriate HVAC size.

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

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

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Less longevity 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 lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire living space, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • 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 uses less power and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can cause wear and tear on your equipment, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: 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 cause indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Stellitano Home Services  

Now that you have learned 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. Stellitano Home Services can help.

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

Call 609-483-2205 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Lambertville, NJ.