How HVAC Systems Are Sized For Your Home
Many homeowners are unaware there’s such a thing as a “correctly sized” HVAC system for your home. HVAC systems which are either too big or too small are extremely inefficient in heating and cooling any space. Nobody wants that! Finding the perfect fit will benefit your home, your family, and your wallet for years to come.
The Factors
To correctly fit an HVAC system for your home, there are many factors to be considered. You must evaluate more than just the square footage of your home to find the perfect fit! It’s best to leave the sizing process to the professionals, as it can be more complicated than you would think. However, we’re sharing some considerable factors below:
Location
We all have different heating and cooling needs depending on where we live. After all, temperatures on any given day or season differ even within the same state! Homes in locations with higher humidity levels or hotter temperatures will often need larger air conditioning systems than those which are in drier or cooler areas. Location even becomes as specific as your individual property. HVAC contractors will consider how your home is oriented towards the sun, if there is any shade from trees on your property, and more.
Windows
Windows can help or hinder your home comfort depending on the season. During the summer months, the sun shining through your windows will heat your home. The more windows you have, the more sunlight is let in. In comparison, with many windows you may enjoy having a warmer home during the winter months. Your HVAC technician will note the number of windows in your home, as well as what type they are. Single paned windows are much less energy efficient than double-paned windows or other models.
Existing Insulation & Ductwork
If your home is lacking in insulation in the attic and walls, outdoor heat will easily penetrate your home on a hot summer day. Whether or not your entry doors are insulated will also be taken into consideration. Oftentimes, older homes have inadequate insulation because building codes were not the same when they were constructed. Your ductwork is also very important when it comes to sizing an HVAC system for your home. If your ductwork is leaking, damaged, or experiencing troubles, this will impact the efficiency and suitability of your system.
Oversized System
If your HVAC system is too large for your home, the temperature in your home will be subpar. Many may assume a bigger system can’t hurt, you’re just leaving room for error! This is far from the truth.
An oversized system will waste energy and fall short of keeping you comfortable. When your HVAC system is too large for your space, you may notice the compressor is short-cycling. This is when your furnace or air conditioner is turning off and on rather frequently. So, what’s bad about that? If your system is constantly switching on and off, it’s costing you more money and likely causing humidity issues inside. An oversized system will cool your home too rapidly, and then shut off. This quick cycle will repeat continuously, using large amounts of energy and leaving your home uncomfortable.
Undersized System
In contrast, a HVAC system which is too small for your space will also cause problems. A system that’s too small will work overtime, struggling to cool or heat your home, resulting in surprisingly high energy bills. Some rooms may never feel comfortable enough or reach the set temperature of the thermostat. On hot days, undersized systems have been known to overheat or even fail due to frozen evaporator coils. While you may save money upfront on a smaller system, if it’s not the right fit for your home, you will pay much more in the long run.
Give The Professionals A Call
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed about finding the perfect fit HVAC system for your home, don’t stress! Simply call Shannon’s Heating & Cooling at (850) 698-3101 today. We have years of experience in sizing and installing HVAC systems inside of countless Pensacola homes and businesses.
We’re your local American Standard Dealer in Pensacola, FL. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more helpful information regarding your HVAC system. how HVAC systems are sized how HVAC systems are sized how HVAC systems are sized how HVAC systems are sized how HVAC systems are sized how HVAC systems are sized
