Finding the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It impacts your ability to enjoy your home and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Total Assurance AC & Heating will explain how to determine the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why choosing the ideal 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 every home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely scorching or chilly 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 Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Corpus Christi, TX

To determine the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Total Assurance AC & Heating conduct 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 features of your home, such as:

  • Square footage: 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 need to heat and cool?
  • Home insulation: A well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can affect how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Corpus Christi, TX, plays a significant role in identifying the right size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with an increased cooling capacity, while chillier regions may demand less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double pane can considerably affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a substantial sunlight will inherently be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the correct HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake homeowners make when choosing the size of home HVAC system is to base their decision 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 cozy.

Another typical mistake is not hiring a professional. It's crucial to have a qualified HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to find the appropriate HVAC size.

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

An incorrectly sized system can lead to comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often seem to run all the time to attempt to regulate the temperature of 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 are too weak to heat and cool your entire living space, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, running 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.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an unnecessary expense.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your machine, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can cause indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Total Assurance AC & Heating  

Now that you have learned some of the things that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Total Assurance AC & Heating 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 most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call 361-446-6925 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Corpus Christi, TX.