How do you know if your current heating and cooling system is the right size for your home? It might surprise you to know that over 50% of all home comfort systems in the U.S. are sized improperly, and most of those are oversized. So, the odds are pretty good that your system is the wrong size.
Why does it matter? An improperly sized system costs you every day, in loss of comfort, increased
maintenance costs and higher energy bills. A properly sized air conditioning unit, for example, could save you 10% in operating costs simply because it will run in longer cycles.
When it comes to your heating and air conditioning system, bigger isn’t always better, and smaller isn’t always more economical. It’s important to install the right system size for your home. A system that is too large will cool or heat your house quickly, but you still may not feel comfortable. That’s because it will satisfy the temperature setting on your thermostat before it can adequately remove enough moisture from the air. This is what makes you feel so sticky and uncomfortable in summer. What’s more, the stress of short cycling (too many starts and stops) will shorten the life of your equipment and increase your heating and air conditioning bills.
Likewise, a system that’s too small just can’t get the job done. The air conditioner will run constantly in the summer, which may overtax your system and increase your energy consumption. The end result is the same as for oversized systems—shortened life span for system components and higher energy bills.
If your old system is showing signs of improper sizing, and/or is over 10 years old, it may be time for a replacement. We can help you determine if you need new equipment, and do a load calculation to ensure that your new system is the right size for you. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) created a method called Manual J, which is the method we use to do this calculation. Some of the factors we take into account are:
- Local climate
- Type and amount of insulation
- Windows- how many, where located
- Size, shape and orientation of the home
- Number and ages of occupants
- Air infiltration rate
Each of these factors is equally important, and each contributes to the final evaluation. Make sure to get a copy of the calculations so you know that the job is done right. You should also get a written warranty on equipment and installation.
What can you do to make sure you have the right system for your home? First and foremost, pay attention to what your system is telling you. If your rooms are unevenly warm or cold, if the air in your home feels too humid, if you notice mold growth or your energy bills are just too high, you may need to have us come out to evaluate your current HVAC system. You don’t have to put up with these conditions, and doing so may just cost you more than temporary discomfort. Get your next system sized right and avoid trouble down the line.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC system sizes and other HVAC topics, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Conditioned Air services Southwest Florida including cities Marco Island, Ft. Myers or anywhere in between. To get started, check out our website or see our special offers.
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In modern buildings the design, installation, and control systems of these functions are integrated into one or more HVAC systems. For very small buildings, contractors normally “size” and select HVAC systems and equipment. For larger buildings, building services designers and engineers, such as mechanical, architectural, or building services engineers analyze, design, and specify the HVAC systems, and specialty mechanical contractors build and commission them. Building permits and code-compliance inspections of the installations are normally required for all sizes of buildings
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