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It’s Time for A New Furnace. What Size Do I Need?

Written by Comfort Solutions HVAC on . Posted in .

Ask An Experienced HVAC Technician In Pennsylvania

With the winter approaching, now is the time to consider updating your old or outdated furnace. When picking out a new heating unit, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the variety of choices, especially regarding the size of the furnace. Choosing the right size furnace is a key buying decision which will have a drastic impact on its performance and your home’s comfort throughout the colder months. Getting the sizing wrong can lead to increased power bills, inconsistent heating and even the breakage of the unit well before the end of its lifetime. 

5 Things to Know About Choosing the Right Furnace Size for Your Home

When working out which size furnace is the right one for your house, there are numerous factors to consider. To make life easier, we have narrowed this down to five key facts you should know when choosing a heating unit: 

  • Why sizing is important: Choosing the right size furnace makes all the difference, not only for how well your home is heated, but also how much energy is consumed in the process and how long your furnace will last. Choosing a furnace that is too large or small will strain the unit, either requiring it to run more frequently or regularly cycle on and off. This makes the furnace more likely to break or need replacing before the end of its intended lifespan. 
  • How size impacts efficiency: While buying a smaller unit may save you money in the short term, making the wrong decision in terms of sizing can cost you far more money in terms of power consumption and efficiency. Smaller units simply will not be able to keep up with the heating needs of your home, which can cause cold spots or temperatures being lower than intended. Larger units will over perform and as a result consume more power than needed. Either way, getting the sizing wrong will likely strain your wallet throughout the winter, as well as your new furnace.
  • Consider the size of your home: The first factor to consider when choosing a furnace is the square footage of your home. It is fairly simple math that a furnace intended for a 1,000 square foot house will not be up to the challenge of heating a 2,500 square foot house. When deciding on the right furnace size, begin by knowing your square footage and using this to narrow your choices down to the right unit.
  • Your location’s climate: A home in Pennsylvania will have different heating requirements than one in another state. The unique characteristics of our cold season require a furnace that is able to meet those requirements without straining or underperforming. If you live in an area with particularly harsh winters, it is important to get a furnace with the power to keep your home warm, regardless of outside conditions, otherwise you risk having the unit fail when you need it most.
  • The importance of home layout: An open concept home will have very different heating requirements compared to a more traditional layout. Similarly, homes with several floors will require more power from a heater than ones that are laid out on a single floor. Layout further determines where ducts will need to be installed along with your new furnace and which areas of the home might be more prone to heat loss. 

Buying a new furnace is an investment which should not be made lightly. When trying to determine which sized unit is the best fit for your house, the wise thing to do is consult with an experienced professional from our team at Comfort Solutions. Before installation, we will be able to assess the unique characteristics of your home to determine the specific heating needs it will have throughout the winter. Through this consultation process we can make an informed recommendation on the right sized unit for you. This is all part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our community warm and safe through this winter, and many more to come.

Learn more about choosing the right furnace for your home by consulting with our team of experts at Comfort Solutions. Call us at 610-438-9300 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.