HVAC systems perform quietly behind the scenes to create the comfortable temperature you want in your home. That means most homeowners don’t know or realize the importance of correct HVAC sizing on comfort, efficiency, and operating costs. But an oversized system has different comfort problems than an undersized system. Choosing the correct size allows your HVAC system to efficiently meet your home’s needs while maximizing comfort.
How HVAC sizing affects your comfort
Let’s face it: There’s nothing comfortable about feeling too hot or too cold. But selecting a system that’s too big or small for your living space can lead to uncomfortable temperatures in your home. That’s why it’s important to have the right-sized system for your needs.
What does HVAC sizing mean?
Sizing an HVAC system is not about estimating or using square footage alone. HVAC sizing means performing a load calculation to determine how much heating or cooling your home needs. Factors such as ceiling heights, window sizes, sun exposure, air leaks, insulation, and internal loads all go into this calculation. One ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 BTUs per hour. Changing any of these factors can change how your system should be sized.
A properly sized HVAC system runs longer, cooler cycles to adequately temperature control your home. It can properly balance temperature and humidity levels to prevent uncomfortably sticky conditions. Your system will better maintain comfort on those exceptionally hot days or extremely cold nights.
Why Proper HVAC Sizing improves comfort
An oversized system will quickly raise or cool your home to the thermostat temperature but won’t run long enough to adequately cool or heat the air. Temperature will have a tendency to swing more, and humidity won’t be removed effectively. This can make your home feel cool but clammy. With an undersized HVAC system, it will run constantly during high heat or cooling days but still struggle to keep up with demand. This may leave rooms in your home uncomfortable.
A properly sized system allows your equipment to run long enough cycles to distribute conditioned air evenly and remove humidity. Additionally, your system will operate more quietly because it isn’t constantly turning on and off. The benefit of proper sizing is better comfort levels and air quality throughout your home.
Your system’s efficiency is affected by its size
HVAC equipment consumes the most energy during startup. Systems that are too big turn on and off more frequently, wasting energy and reducing seasonal efficiency. Systems that are too small run constantly during peak temperature periods, wasting energy.
Correctly sized systems run efficiently to match demand, helping your system perform closer to the manufacturer’s SEER ratings. You’ll likely see a decrease in your energy bills, as well as smaller spikes during hotter and cooler months. When properly sized, advanced features such as variable speed compressor technology can work as designed and potentially save you even more on monthly energy usage.
Improper HVAC Sizing can lead to higher costs
One sizing mistake homeowners make is installing a new system that’s the same size as their old one without performing a load calculation. Changes to your home, like adding insulation, replacing windows, or changes in the number of occupants, can drastically change your heating and cooling needs. Many HVAC companies use rule-of-thumb sizing methods that greatly overestimate your needs and don’t account for duct losses.
Ductwork can be a big contributor to improper HVAC system sizing. If ductwork is leaky or undersized, it can restrict airflow into your home. The result? A properly sized HVAC system that acts like it’s too small because it isn’t able to deliver enough conditioned air. Installation professionals should consider ductwork when sizing your system.
Your load calculation should be performed by a professional
Performing a load calculation is the first step to properly sizing an HVAC system. Your HVAC provider should also ensure that the equipment and ductwork can handle the required airflow through your home. Doing so ensures your system will perform efficiently during peak heating and cooling days, as well as every day in between.
Salmon Heating & Air’s installation specialists can help you avoid these mistakes and choose a system that fits your needs. We provide efficient comfort your whole family will enjoy for seasons to come.
Proper HVAC system sizing can save you money
A properly sized HVAC system puts less strain on your equipment. This means less wear and tear on your system components and fewer repairs. Over time, your system will last longer because it doesn’t have to work quite as hard. You could even save yourself thousands in preventable repairs and avoid replacing your system several years sooner than necessary.
If you’d like more information about properly sizing your HVAC system or you’re ready to replace your current system with one that fits your needs, contact Salmon Heating & Air today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why does sizing matter so much for my comfort?
A: Correct HVAC sizing allows your system to run for longer periods of time to distribute air and control humidity. This prevents uncomfortable temperature swings and humidity in your home.
Q2: Will a larger HVAC system cool or heat my home faster?
A: No. Systems that are too big heat or cool your home quickly but don’t run long enough to properly distribute air. This can actually decrease your comfort.
Q3: How do I know if my HVAC system is too big or too small?
A: If your system is constantly cycling on and off, has hot or cold spots, feels humid, or runs constantly without reaching the set temperature, you may have an improperly sized HVAC system.
Q4: Does ductwork play a role in HVAC sizing?
A: Yes, if your ductwork is leaky or too small, it can cause inadequate airflow into your home. Even if your HVAC equipment is sized correctly, it won’t perform efficiently with duct losses.
Q5: Should I have my HVAC system resized when I replace it?
A: Yes If you’ve added insulation, replaced windows, or changed the layout of your home you HVAC needs have likely changed as well.