Selecting the right HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It affects your ability to enjoy your home and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at J.L. Brady Company LLC will explain how to select the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why selecting the most suitable size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

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 pleasant. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely hot or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, wastes money and can cause problems that make your home less enjoyable.

Critical Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Moline, IL

To determine the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at J.L. Brady Company LLC perform 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 elements, such as:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most significant factor in choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system be required to heat and cool?
  • Amount of insulation: A fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can influence how much heating and cooling capacity you demand.
  • Climate: The local climate in Moline, IL, has a significant role in identifying the right size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may require less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double paned can considerably affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a substantial sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the correct HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A common mistake homeowners make when determining the size of their HVAC system is to focus only 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 necessary to keep your home cozy.

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 right HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An inadequately sized system can cause comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often operate continuously 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 uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems don't have enough power to heat and cool your entire residence, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • 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 operates more efficiently and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an avoidable expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your equipment, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system often completes its cycle before it has time 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 J.L. Brady Company LLC  

Now that you know some of the aspects of your home that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. J.L. Brady Company LLC is ready to help.

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

Call 309-865-5564 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Moline, IL.