Finding the correct HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It affects your ability to enjoy your home and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at The Chilly Pig will explain how to determine the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why picking the ideal size HVAC is so important to your convenience.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size differs for every home. Your HVAC system needs sufficient heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely warm or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can cause problems that make your home less enjoyable.

Crucial Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Cocoa, FL

To select the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at The Chilly Pig perform 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 multiple factors, such as:

  • Square footage: The size of the home is arguably the most important factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to keep comfortable?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can impact how much heating and cooling power you demand.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Cocoa, FL, has a major role in determining the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates may require a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may demand less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double pane can considerably impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a substantial sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Home placement in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the appropriate HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to rely solely on square footage. While 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 essential to have a skilled HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to find the correct HVAC size.

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

An inadequately sized system can lead to comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often run constantly to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your entire residence, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Higher energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly trying to keep up uses more energy, running up your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system uses less power and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your equipment, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: An HVAC system should control the moisture level in your home, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can result in indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from The Chilly Pig  

Now that you know some of the things that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. The Chilly Pig can help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll evaluate your home to determine the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 321-205-1234 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Cocoa, FL.