Selecting the correct HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It affects your ability to enjoy your home and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Siloam Springs Heating & AC will explain how to determine the right 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 satisfaction.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size differs 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 cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, costs more up front and can create issues that make your home less comfortable.

Crucial Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Siloam Springs, AR

To determine the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Siloam Springs Heating & AC conduct a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are needed to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates multiple elements, such as:

  • Square footage: The total area of the home is arguably the most significant factor in choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to heat and cool?
  • Amount of insulation: A fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can impact how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Siloam Springs, AR, has a significant role in finding the correct size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while milder regions may require less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double paned can significantly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a lot of sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the appropriate HVAC size.

HVAC Size Mistakes Homeowners Often Make

A frequent mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to rely solely on square footage. Although the square footage of your home has a major impact on what size HVAC you need, other considerations also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is required to keep your home pleasant.

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

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

An inadequately sized system can lead to 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:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often run constantly to try to heat or cool a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems don't have enough power to heat and cool your entire living space, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Increased energy expenses: 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 operates more efficiently and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an avoidable expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to 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 may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can lead to indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at Siloam Springs Heating & AC  

Now that you know some of the factors that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Siloam Springs Heating & AC is ready to help.

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

Call 479-308-8176 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Siloam Springs, AR.