Selecting the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It impacts your comfort and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the specialists at Olde Towne Heating & Air will explain how to select the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why choosing the best size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size is different from home to home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home cozy. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely warm or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too big is inefficient, wastes money and can create issues that make your home less comfortable.

Crucial Factors Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Mount Pleasant, SC

To select the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Olde Towne 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 choosing the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system need to keep comfortable?
  • Amount of insulation: A fully insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more efficiently, which can influence how much heating and cooling capacity you demand.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Mount Pleasant, SC, plays a significant role in finding the appropriate size HVAC. Homes in warmer climates may require a system with an increased cooling capacity, while chillier regions may demand less.
  • Window placement and size: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double pane can greatly influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that receives a lot of sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which affects central air sizing. Positioning in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also impact the correct 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 significant impact on what size HVAC you need, other elements also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is required to keep your home pleasant.

Another typical mistake is not engaging 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 increase expenses. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a incorrectly sized HVAC:

Problems with HVAC systems that are too small:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that don't have enough power often operate continuously 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 are too weak to heat and cool your entire living space, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Increased energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and costing you money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system operates more efficiently and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems are usually more costly, so investing in more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can cause wear and tear on your equipment, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should regulate indoor humidity, 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 Olde Towne Heating & Air  

Now that you know 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. Olde Towne Heating & Air is here to help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll analyze your home to find the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can experience comfort every day of the year.

Call 843-485-0967 today to set up your free estimate for HVAC installation in Mount Pleasant, SC.