Choosing the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is essential. It affects your ability to enjoy your home and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Jet Electrical, Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing will explain how to select the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why choosing 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 for each 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 hot or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, costs more up front and can cause problems that make your home less comfortable.

Critical Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Modesto, CA

To determine the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Jet Electrical, Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing carry out 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 factors, such as:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most crucial factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to heat and cool?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature better, which can affect how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Modesto, CA, plays a major role in identifying the right size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may require less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double pane can greatly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that receives a lot of sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects central air sizing. Home placement in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the proper HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A common mistake homeowners make when determining the size of their HVAC system is to base their decision on square footage. While the square footage of your home has a significant 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 engaging a professional. It's vital to have a qualified HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors 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 drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often run constantly to attempt to regulate the temperature of a home, leading to more wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant 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 uncomfortably cold.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and costing you 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 investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an unnecessary expense.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can cause wear and tear on your machine, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: 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, such as mold growth.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Jet Electrical, Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing  

Now that you have learned some of the factors that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Jet Electrical, Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing is ready to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll assess your home to identify the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can have a comfortable home every day of the year.

Call 209-618-4595 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Modesto, CA.