Selecting the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It affects your comfort and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating will explain how to determine the correct size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why selecting the best size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

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

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

Key Factors Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Northridge, CA

To determine the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating perform a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are necessary to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates several 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 keep comfortable?
  • Amount of insulation: A well- insulated home retains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you demand.
  • Regional Climate: The local climate in Northridge, CA, has a significant role in identifying the right size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while cooler regions may require less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double pane can greatly influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a lot of sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also impact the appropriate 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. Although 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 comfortable.

Another typical mistake is not employing a professional. It's vital to have a skilled HVAC technician perform 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 inadequately sized system can cause comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a deep dive into the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Issues with undersized HVAC systems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often run constantly to attempt to regulate the temperature of 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 lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire residence, which can lead to hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are far too cool.
  • Increased energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system operates more efficiently and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so buying 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 result in wear and tear on your machine, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Humidity issues: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, but an oversized HVAC system may lack adequate runtime to accomplish that task. This can cause indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating  

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. Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating 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 most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call (818) 727-9993 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Northridge, CA.