Finding the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is essential. It impacts your comfort and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at Custom Air Systems will explain how to determine the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why picking the most suitable size HVAC is so important to your convenience.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size varies from home to home. Your HVAC system needs enough 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 big is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can create issues that make your home less enjoyable.

Crucial Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Bridgeport, CT

To choose the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Custom Air Systems carry out 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:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most important factor in choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to keep comfortable?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can influence how much heating and cooling power you demand.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Bridgeport, CT, has a major role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates might need a system with a higher cooling capacity, while chillier regions may demand less.
  • Window placement and size: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double paned can greatly affect 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 influence 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 focus only on square footage. While the square footage of your home has a significant impact on what size HVAC you need, other factors also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is necessary to keep your home comfortable.

Another typical mistake is not employing a professional. It's essential to have an experienced HVAC technician carry out a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential factors into consideration to determine the correct HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An inadequately sized system can result in comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often operate continuously to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to more wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity 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 bills: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop trying to keep up uses more energy, driving up your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system consumes less energy and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an avoidable expense.
  • Reduced lifespan 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, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Excessive indoor humidity: 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 cause indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Custom Air Systems  

Now that you understand some of the factors that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Custom Air Systems is ready to help.

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

Call (203) 333-1906 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Bridgeport, CT.