Finding the right HVAC system size for your home is vital. It affects your comfort and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Select Comfort Systems will explain how to select the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why selecting the most suitable size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

What Impact Does HVAC System Size Make on Home Comfort and Efficiency

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

Critical Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in West Valley City, UT

To choose the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Select Comfort Systems perform 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 important factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to heat and cool?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A fully insulated home maintains the indoor temperature better, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Climate: The local climate in West Valley City, UT, has a significant role in identifying the right size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may need less.
  • Window 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 pane can significantly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that gets a considerable sunlight will inherently 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.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake homeowners make when determining the size of their 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 considerations 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 vital to have an experienced HVAC technician carry out a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to determine the correct HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

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

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often seem to run all the time to attempt to regulate the temperature of a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can lead to breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your entire residence, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Higher energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, running 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.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an unnecessary expense.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often cycle on and off, 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 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 lead to indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Select Comfort Systems  

Now that you understand some of the aspects of your home that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Select Comfort Systems can help.

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

Call 801-305-4777 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in West Valley City, UT.