Choosing the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It impacts your comfort and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at B & B Heating & Cooling will explain how to choose the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why selecting the most suitable size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size differs for each home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely scorching or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, costs more up front and can create issues that make your home less agreeable.

Critical Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Florissant, MO

To determine the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at B & B Heating & Cooling 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 several features of your home, such as:

  • Size of the home: The size of the home is arguably the most important factor in picking the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system be required to keep comfortable?
  • Home insulation: A well- insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can affect how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Florissant, MO, plays an important role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with a greater cooling capacity, while cooler regions may need less.
  • Window placement and size: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double pane can greatly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that gets a lot of sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects central air sizing. Home placement in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the proper HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A common mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to base their decision on square footage. While the square footage of your home has a big impact on what size HVAC you need, other factors also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is required to keep your home cozy.

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It's vital to have an experienced HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to determine the correct HVAC size.

Why Does HVAC System Size Matter?

An incorrectly sized system can cause comfort problems and increase expenses. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often seem to run all the time to try to heat or cool 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 lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Higher energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and costing you money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system uses less power and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs 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 result in wear and tear on your equipment, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, 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 Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with B & B Heating & Cooling  

Now that you understand some of the aspects of your home that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. B & B Heating & Cooling can help.

We’ll evaluate your home and provide you with 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 enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call 314-325-7552 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Florissant, MO.