Finding the right 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 West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services will explain how to choose the correct 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 differs for each home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely scorching or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, wastes money and can create issues that make your home less agreeable.

Critical Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Hudsonville, MI

To determine the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services 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:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most important factor in choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system be required to heat and cool?
  • Home insulation: A well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can impact how much heating and cooling capacity you need.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Hudsonville, MI, plays a significant role in determining the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may require less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double paned can greatly influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that gets 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 appropriate HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A common mistake homeowners make when determining the size of their HVAC system is to rely solely 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 required to keep your home pleasant.

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's essential to have a skilled HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to establish the correct HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An improperly sized system can result in comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often run constantly to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to more wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your whole home, which can result in 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, driving up your monthly power bills and costing you money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system operates more efficiently and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Unnecessary expenses: 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 excessively large often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can cause wear and tear on your machine, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Excessive indoor humidity: 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, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services  

Now that you have learned some of the aspects of your home that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services is ready to help.

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

Call (616) 319-1436 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Hudsonville, MI.