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Properly Sizing HVAC Units Is Important

Written by Comfort Solutions HVAC on . Posted in .

Learn the How and Why from Your HVAC Experts in Easton, PA 

Whether it is a cool, fresh ambience in the hot summer, or a cozy, toasty environment in the harsh winter, your HVAC unit is instrumental in keeping your home and family comfortable at all times. It is only fair to say that heating and cooling systems are the lifeline of North American homes. However, there are several aspects that can make or break your HVAC system, and proper sizing is one of them. From skyrocketing electricity bills, to extreme humidity or dryness in the air, sizing issues can cause several problems. The home comfort specialists at Comfort Solutions HVAC offer some insights into properly sizing your HVAC units.

Enjoy Efficiency and Comfort with the Right Sized HVAC Unit

Whether you are upgrading your existing HVAC system or installing a new one, incorrect sizing of the HVAC unit may lead to problems with:

  • Temperature Consistency and Comfort: Bigger is not always better. If you select a unit that is too large for the size of your home, the excess capacity would lead to frequent thermostat shut-offs, and constantly fluctuating temperatures. Moreover, since the cycle does not run long enough to dehumidify the air, you may end up feeling uncomfortable due to the excessive muggy air.
  • System Performance: An under-capacitated unit will mean insufficient heating or cooling, directly impacting the health and comfort of the home’s occupants. Besides, the system will constantly be trying to keep pace with the external temperature to reach the desired internal temperature. That would lead to further wear and tear of the components, and constant use of electricity. If you have an over-utilized system, then brace yourself for frequent, costly repairs, and high energy bills. 
  • Longevity of the System: Both, overutilization as well as underutilization can negatively impact the performance and life of your HVAC system. An improperly sized unit will cause a heavy load on the system, which may lead to inconsistent or subpar performance within a few years of installation. In extreme cases, your HVAC system may completely give in, well before its typical life span of 20 years.

How to Size your HVAC unit?

In order to determine the right size of your HVAC unit, you will need to calculate the correct BTU (British Thermal Unit). A BTU is the amount of heat needed to heat one pound of water to 1 degree Fahrenheit. When used in relation to your AC or furnace, you need to know how many BTUs per hour the AC can remove or furnace can add to the air. Since many of the larger air conditioning units are rated in tons, you should know that 12,000 BTUs make up 1 ton. Usually, a 1 ton unit is sufficient to heat or cool up to 500 square feet of space. 

Here are the broad steps for calculating your unit’s BTU requirement.

  1. Measure the square footage of the overall area to be heated or cooled and multiply that number by 25. 
  2. Add 400 for every person who may reside in that area.
  3. Add 1000 per window present in the area.

The sum total you get is the minimum number of BTU for the air conditioning unit or furnace that you should install. 

However, these are only indicative guidelines. In addition to basic square footage and BTU, HVAC technicians consider several other aspects to determine the ideal size of the HVAC unit. 

  • Shape and orientation of the home
  • Current insulation levels
  • Sun exposure and air leakage through doors and windows
  • Number of lights and home appliances 
  • Lifestyle preferences and age of family members

Don’t base your family’s health, safety and comfort on guesswork. Instead, rely on the technicians at Comfort Solutions HVAC. Our experienced and skilled crew will accurately assess the size and type of HVAC unit that will work best for your home. Take advantage of our customized, energy-efficient home comfort systems to address your heating and cooling requirements, and achieve substantial savings on your utility bills.

We have been providing affordable HVAC installations, with prompt repairs and maintenance to residents throughout Eastern PA and the surrounding areas of NJ. 

Need to install or upgrade your HVAC system? Call the experts at Comfort Solutions HVAC. To book an appointment call us at 610-438-9300 or contact us online for a free estimate.