When it’s time to update your outdated furnace, it’s important to know that one size does not fit all. A system that is not sized appropriately for your home, will not only affect your comfort but can lead to shortened life of your furnace, and leave you stuck with higher energy bills.
If you pick a unit oversized for your house, you’ll start to run into short cycles. This is because your oversized furnace heated your home too quickly, turning off before the furnace can reach the right operating temperatures. An undersized or oversized system can lead to a reduced life span and higher costs.
How can you be sure you know the correct furnace size for your home? Begin with a load calculation from the team at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services. A load calculation takes specifics from your home into account and measures the Btu (a number that indicates the heating capacity of a furnace) required to heat your home.
Some Things that Influence Furnace Size
- Square Footage—How big is the area your furnace will need to heat? A technician will be sure to carefully measure the square footage of your home. Not every inch of your home will be accounted for during this process. Often, it is more useful to account only for the space that needs heating.
- Home Insulation—Insulation assists in keeping warm air from escaping your home through the cold winter months. It also strongly affects energy efficiency and how large of a heating system is required. Let the professionals from West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services take a look at the insulation in your walls and attic. They’ll help you choose the best furnace for your house.
- Type of Window—Just like your walls, the certain type of windows in your home, frame type, glaze type, gas fills/spaces, etc. will play into what heating and cooling needs your home requires.
- Outdoor Climate—Think about the range of weather you experience in Hudsonville. You’ll want a furnace that can sustain the conditions of your area every year, without overworking itself.
Don’t settle for ‘close enough’ when selecting your new furnace. Let the qualified technicians at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services help you identify a unit that will fit your home properly. When you’re ready to start the process, call us at (616) 319-1436 or schedule an appointment online. Whether you have additional questions about furnace size or want to learn more of the options for your space, our experts are happy to help you out.
