Choosing the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is essential. It impacts your home enjoyment and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at The Frazier Company will explain how to determine the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why choosing the best size HVAC is so important to your convenience.

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

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

Key Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Omaha, NE

To choose the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at The Frazier Company perform a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are necessary to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates several elements, such as:

  • Home size: The total area of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to heat and cool?
  • Amount of insulation: A properly insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can impact how much heating and cooling capacity you need.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Omaha, NE, plays a significant role in determining the right size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with an increased cooling capacity, while milder regions may need less.
  • Window placement and size: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double paned can significantly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a lot of sunlight will naturally 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 impact the correct 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 big impact on what size HVAC you need, other factors 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 skilled HVAC technician carry out a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to determine the correct HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

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

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often run constantly to try to heat or cool a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire living space, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Increased energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly 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 reduce your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an unnecessary expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your machine, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Excessive indoor humidity: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, but an oversized HVAC system might not run long enough to accomplish that task. This can lead to indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at The Frazier Company  

Now that you have learned some of the factors that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. The Frazier Company is here to help.

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

Call 402-628-0206 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Omaha, NE.