Finding the correct HVAC system size for your home is crucial. It has a big impact on your comfort and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at H&C Heating and Cooling 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 best size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size varies for every home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely warm or frigid weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, costs more up front and can lead to complications that make your home less agreeable.

Key Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Laurel, MD

To choose the right HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation specialists at H&C Heating and Cooling 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 multiple features of your home, such as:

  • Square footage: The size of the home is arguably the most significant 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 properly insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can affect how much heating and cooling power you require.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Laurel, MD, plays an important role in finding the right size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while milder regions may need less.
  • Number of windows: 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 significantly influence heating and cooling requirements.
  • Amount of sun: A home that receives a lot of sunlight will naturally be warmer than one that doesn't, which impacts central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the appropriate HVAC size.

Most Common DIY HVAC Size Mistakes

A common mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to rely solely on square footage. While the square footage of your home has a major impact on what size HVAC you need, other factors also influence how much heating and cooling capacity is necessary to keep your home pleasant.

Another typical mistake is not employing a professional. It's crucial to have a skilled HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to determine the correct HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An incorrectly 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 run constantly to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to increased wear and tear. This can lead to breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems are too weak to heat and cool your entire residence, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Higher energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that runs continuously trying to keep up uses more energy, driving up your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system uses less power and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Problems with HVAC systems that are too big

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so purchasing more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an avoidable expense.
  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your equipment, reducing its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Increased humidity: An HVAC system should control the moisture level in your home, 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 Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with H&C Heating and Cooling  

Now that you understand some of the things that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. H&C Heating and Cooling 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 find the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can have a comfortable home every day of the year.

Call 301-960-3247 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Laurel, MD.