Selecting the right HVAC system size for your home is vital. It has a big impact on your comfort and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Allianz Heating & Air 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 most suitable size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

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

Proper HVAC size is different for each home. Your HVAC system needs enough heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely warm or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, costs more up front and can create issues that make your home less comfortable.

Crucial Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Redding, CA

To determine the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Allianz Heating & Air conduct 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 elements, such as:

  • Square footage: The size of the home is arguably the most significant factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to keep comfortable?
  • Amount of insulation: A fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Redding, CA, plays a major role in determining the right size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while milder regions may need less.
  • Window placement and size: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double paned can considerably affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that receives a substantial sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts 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 choosing the size of home HVAC system is to base their decision 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 necessary to keep your home pleasant.

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's vital to have a qualified HVAC technician carry out a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to establish the appropriate HVAC size.

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

An improperly sized system can cause comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often run constantly to try to heat or cool a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire residence, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Higher energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop trying to keep up uses more energy, running 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 are usually more costly, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is a waste of money.
  • Less service 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 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 might not run long enough 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 Allianz Heating & Air  

Now that you know some of the factors that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Allianz Heating & Air is ready to help.

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

Call 530-221-2642 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Redding, CA.