Finding the right HVAC system size for your home is essential. It affects your comfort and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Ambience HVAC, Inc. will explain how to determine the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why choosing the best size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size varies for every home. Your HVAC system needs enough heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely warm or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can cause problems that make your home less enjoyable.

Critical Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Wilmington, DE

To choose the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Ambience HVAC, Inc. 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 factors, such as:

  • Home size: The size 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 have to heat and cool?
  • Home insulation: A fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you need.
  • Climate: The local climate in Wilmington, DE, plays an important role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with a higher cooling capacity, while cooler regions may demand less.
  • Window 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 and shade: A home that receives a lot of sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the proper HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A frequent mistake homeowners make when determining the size of their HVAC system is to rely solely on square footage. While 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 required to keep your home pleasant.

Another typical mistake is not employing a professional. It's crucial to have an experienced HVAC technician perform 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 incorrectly sized system can result in comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often operate continuously to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can result in 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 lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned 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

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an unnecessary expense.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big 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 may lack adequate runtime 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 Ambience HVAC, Inc.  

Now that you know some of the things that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Ambience HVAC, Inc. 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 determine the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 302-239-HVAC (4822) today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Wilmington, DE.