What size furnace do I need?

January 31, 2019

When you need to upgrade your outdated furnace, it’s important to understand one size does not fit all. A system that is not sized properly for your home, will not only impact your comfort, but can result in shortened life of your furnace, and leave you spending extra money on your utility bills.

If you select a unit oversized for your home, you’ll start to run into short cycles. The reason is that your oversized furnace heated your home too rapidly, turning off before the furnace can reach correct operating temperatures. An undersized or oversized system can lead to reduced lifespan and bigger expenses.

How can you be certain about the proper furnace size for your home? Get started with a load calculation from the experts at H&C Heating and Cooling. A load calculation takes specifics from your home into account and measures the Btu (a number that indicates the heating capacity of a furnace) required to heat your space.

Some Things that Influence Furnace Size

  • Square Footage—What size is the area your furnace will need to heat? A technician will be sure to carefully measure the square footage of your home. Not every inch of your home may be included during this process. Many times, it is more valuable to account only for the space that needs heating.
  • Home Insulation—Insulation helps keep warm air from leaving your home throughout the cold winter months. It also greatly affects energy efficiency and how large of a heating system you’ll need. Let the experts from H&C Heating and Cooling review the insulation in your walls and attic. They’ll help you find a ideal furnace for your house.
  • Type of Window— Just like your walls, the particular type of windows in your home, frame type, glaze type, gas fills/spaces, etc. will influence your heating and cooling requirements.
  • Outdoor Climate—Think about the range of weather you get in Laurel. You’ll want a furnace that can sustain the conditions of your area every year, without overworking itself.

Don’t settle for ‘close enough’ when choosing your new furnace. Let the professionals at H&C Heating and Cooling help you find a system that will fit your home properly. When you’re ready to get started, call us at 301-960-3247 or book an appointment online. Whether you have additional questions about furnace size or want to learn more of the options for your space, our experts are happy to help you out.