Finding the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It affects your home enjoyment and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Brandywine Heating & Air will explain how to choose the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why choosing the most suitable size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size is different for every home. Your HVAC system needs sufficient heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely scorching or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, wastes money and can lead to complications that make your home less comfortable.

Crucial Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Wilmington, DE

To select the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Brandywine Heating & Air 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 several features of your home, such as:

  • Square footage: The total area of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to heat and cool?
  • Home insulation: A fully insulated home maintains the indoor temperature better, which can affect how much heating and cooling capacity you need.
  • Climate: The local climate in Wilmington, DE, plays a major role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates might need a system with a greater cooling capacity, while cooler regions may require less.
  • Number of windows: 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 greatly influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that receives a lot of sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the appropriate HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common 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 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 essential to have an experienced HVAC technician perform 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 drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often operate continuously to try to heat or cool a home, leading to excessive 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 living space, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly 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 consumes less energy and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your equipment, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, but an oversized HVAC system might not run long enough to accomplish that task. This can result in indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Brandywine Heating & Air  

Now that you know some of the aspects of your home that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Brandywine Heating & Air is here 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 have a comfortable home every day of the year.

Call 302-261-3596 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Wilmington, DE.