Finding the correct HVAC system size for your home is vital. It has a big impact on your home enjoyment and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at D & R Heating & Air will explain how to choose the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why picking the ideal size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

What Impact Does HVAC System Size Make on Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size is different for every home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely scorching or chilly weather. However, an HVAC system that's oversized is inefficient, wastes money and can lead to complications that make your home less comfortable.

Critical Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Portland, OR

To choose the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at D & R Heating & Air carry out a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are needed to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates several elements, such as:

  • Home size: 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 retains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can impact how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Climate: The local climate in Portland, OR, has a significant role in identifying the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while chillier regions may need less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double pane can greatly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that receives a considerable 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.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

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

Another typical mistake is not hiring a professional. It's crucial to have a qualified HVAC technician carry out a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to determine the right HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An improperly sized system can cause comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Less longevity and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often seem to run all the time to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems don't have enough power 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, running up your monthly power bills and costing you money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system consumes less energy and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is an unnecessary expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too big often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your machine, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system might not run long enough to accomplish that task. This can cause indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at D & R Heating & Air  

Now that you know some of the things that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to select a new heating and cooling system. D & R Heating & Air 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 find the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 503-678-2517 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Portland, OR.