Selecting the right HVAC system size for your home is essential. It impacts your comfort and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. will explain how to choose the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why selecting the ideal 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 sufficient heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely hot or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, costs more up front and can cause problems that make your home less enjoyable.

Crucial Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Port Clinton, OH

To determine the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. 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 multiple elements, such as:

  • Square footage: The total area 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 be required to heat and cool?
  • Home insulation: A properly insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can impact how much heating and cooling capacity you demand.
  • Climate: The local climate in Port Clinton, OH, plays an important role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates might need a system with a greater cooling capacity, while chillier regions may need less.
  • Number of windows: 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 considerably affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that gets a substantial sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence 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. While the square footage of your home has a major 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 engaging a professional. It's crucial to have a qualified HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to find the correct HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An improperly sized system can lead to comfort problems and cost you money. Here's a detailed view of the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often operate continuously to try to heat or cool a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems don't have enough power to heat and cool your entire residence, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Higher energy expenses: 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 operates more efficiently and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • 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 start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can cause wear and tear on your machine, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, but an oversized HVAC system often completes its cycle before it has time to accomplish that task. This can result in indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from Ohler & Holzhauer Inc.  

Now that you understand some of the things that affect what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to choose a new heating and cooling system. Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. is here to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll assess your home to find the best HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call 419-732-2121 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Port Clinton, OH.