Efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are essential in most homes. To properly size your HVAC system, you’ll need to know some background information about the components used by your particular model.
When it comes to HVAC systems, size does not mean better. Here are some factors to consider when determining how large a system you can get by.
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1. Size and Quality of Your Ductwork
The size of the ductwork directly affects the performance of your HVAC system, and it’s one of the outside factors you can control. More giant ducts allow more air to be moved throughout your home, while smaller ones restrict airflow.
Your HVAC technician will help you determine your HVAC system, depending on the size of your ducts. Be sure to check for poorly installed and leaking ductwork, as this can be a big problem that is often overlooked. These issues usually lead to reduced performance.
2. Size of Your Home
Your home’s size will determine the heating and cooling system you need to install. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when sizing their HVAC system is buying a large unit without considering the size of their house. When getting a heating and cooling system, determine the area of your home that you want to heat and cool.
This should include the attic, basement, and the area in which you live on the main floor of your home. With these calculations, you will have a good representation of how much cooling or heating power you will need for your home.
3. Climatic Region
All HVAC systems are designed to handle a specific temperature range. If you live in a region that gets extremely hot or cold, you’ll need to install an HVAC system to handle these extreme temperatures.
For example, your HVAC system must handle extreme heat if you live in the desert. If you are stuck on how to size HVAC system, your HVAC technician will help determine the exact size system for your climate and installation.
4. Type of Windows at Your Place
Typically, windows are used to bring natural light to your home. However, they can also be an essential factor when determining the size of your HVAC system.
Glass windows have high U-factor and low solar heat gain coefficient ratings. This means they will allow the sun to pass through during the day but prevent it from heating up at night.
On the other hand, metal shutters or drapes will allow the sun’s heat to come into your home during the day and radiate at night. Your HVAC technicians can help you decide which type of window treatments you should use for your new HVAC system to function properly.
Bigger is not Always Better
There are various reasons why a large system is not so great. Most people think a large system performs better, but this is sometimes false. Following are several reasons why you should avoid large HVAC systems.
1. Increased Utility Bills
One of the disadvantages of installing larger HVAC systems is the increased utility bills as they require more energy. If you want to reduce your utility expenses, you should consider installing the right system that works effectively for your home.
2. Poor System Maintenance
Another disadvantage of installing large HVAC systems is poor maintenance. Since these systems are large and heavy, they might need professional help for maintenance purposes.
If you install an extensive system, it can have high maintenance costs. This can lead to poor system maintenance as you might be unable to keep up with the regular maintenance schedule.
3. Ineffective Performance
While bigger HVAC systems might sound attractive, they can cause performance issues. When you install a large heating and cooling system, it will cycle on and off frequently. This causes the whole system to wear out early.
4. High Cost of Installation
Large HVAC systems are bigger and heavier in weight, making them difficult to handle and install by yourself. This is why you need a professional technician to install the unit. The installation cost will be higher when you get a large HVAC system.
Finding the right HVAC system involves more than just thinking about the size. Other factors may affect your home’s climate control efficiency and overall comfort. As you can see, there are many aspects that you need to consider when determining what size HVAC system is right for your home.
When picking out a new HVAC system, you must ensure it’s appropriate for your particular needs. If you want to learn more about heating and cooling installation, contact a professional that offers this service.