Selecting the right HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It has a big impact on your home enjoyment and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Smyth Air Conditioning will explain how to select the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why selecting the best size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

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

Proper HVAC size varies from home to home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely warm or chilly weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, wastes money and can cause problems that make your home less agreeable.

Crucial Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Lake Worth, FL

To determine the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Smyth Air Conditioning conduct 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 features of your home, such as:

  • Size of the home: The total area of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to heat and cool?
  • Amount of insulation: A well- insulated home retains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can impact how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Lake Worth, FL, plays an important role in identifying the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with a greater cooling capacity, while cooler regions may demand less.
  • Window placement and 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 greatly influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun exposure: A home that receives a lot of sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Home placement in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the correct HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent 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 considerations also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is required to keep your home pleasant.

Another typical mistake is not employing a professional. It's vital to have an experienced HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to determine the correct HVAC size.

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

An inadequately sized system can cause comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • 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 more wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant 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 far too cool.
  • Increased energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously 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 consumes less energy and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an unnecessary expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often start and stop frequently, 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 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, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from Smyth Air Conditioning  

Now that you know some of the things that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. Smyth Air Conditioning is here to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you 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 experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 561-533-6066 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Lake Worth, FL.