Finding the right HVAC system size for your home is vital. It has a big impact on your ability to enjoy your home and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at MPC Heating & Cooling will explain how to determine the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why picking the best size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your 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 cozy. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely hot or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can lead to complications that make your home less agreeable.

Crucial Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Chadron, NE

To determine the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at MPC Heating & Cooling 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:

  • Square footage: The total area 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 need to keep comfortable?
  • Home insulation: A well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature better, which can affect how much heating and cooling capacity you demand.
  • Climate: The local climate in Chadron, NE, has a significant role in finding the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may require less.
  • Window placement and size: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double pane can significantly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun exposure: A home that receives a considerable sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also impact the proper HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A frequent mistake homeowners make when choosing the size of home HVAC system is to rely solely on square footage. Although 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 pleasant.

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's crucial to have a qualified HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to determine the right HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An improperly sized system can cause comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often seem to run all the time to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to more wear and tear. This can lead to breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire living space, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously 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.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big 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.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should control the moisture level in your home, 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 MPC Heating & Cooling  

Now that you understand some of the factors that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. MPC Heating & Cooling is here to help.

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

Call 308-832-4321 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Chadron, NE.