It is important to select the right size of HVAC unit for your home. If you purchase a unit that is too small, it may not be able to cool your house properly. If you pick a unit that is too large, the unit will not be as efficient, may wear out faster, and has the potential to leave your house too humid.
By choosing the right-sized unit, your HVAC system will operate at maximum efficiency and keep your house at a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather. You will also minimize your home heating and electric bills which will save you money every month. Over time, the unit will pay for itself.
Here are three tips for calculating your proper HVAC unit size:
1. Measure Your Home
First, measure the square footage of the area your HVAC unit will be responsible for keeping cool. You can do this using a simple tape measure in each room. Determine the total square footage for each zone separately, and then multiply that number by 25. For each person who routinely stays in that room, add 400. Then add 1,000 for each window in the zone. This will calculate the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) needed to cool this area).
Keep in mind that, if you have ceilings that are higher than eight feet, you will need to multiply that number by 1.25 to get a more accurate measure of the BTUs needed to cool that particular zone.
2. Calculate What You Need
When making your calculations for an air conditioning unit, take the number you determined and divide by 12,000. This will tell you the tonnage you need in your unit to effectively cool your house when the weather is warmer. Here is a calculator that can help you determine the correct size.
For heating your house, divide the number of BTUs by the unit’s efficiency rating. There is a chart you can reference that will show you the proper-sized unit to keep your house warm without overworking your HVAC system. This will help you maximize efficiency and performance in your unit.
3. Contact a Professional
While these calculations can provide you with a general idea of what size HVAC unit you need to keep your house comfortable all year round, a professional will be able to make precise adjustments to these calculations that will save you money. They will also install the unit correctly and make sure it is properly maintained and serviced. This will keep your HVAC unit working properly for a long time and prevent costly repairs that result from not maintaining the unit properly.
By choosing the right-sized HVAC unit, you can keep your house at a comfortable temperature and control the humidity in your home, as well. You can also save your family money by making sure that your HVAC system won’t be overworked and wear out too quickly.
Image via Flickr by HomeSpot HQ
