It’s critical to ensure the new HVAC system you install in your home is sized correctly. A system that’s too large won’t work efficiently, increasing operating costs and reducing the system’s life. A unit that’s too small will struggle to regulate your home’s temperature, resulting in inadequate heating or cooling. The tips below will help you determine the ideal HVAC size for your house.
Approximate Calculations for HVAC Size
You can find out the approximate size of the right HVAC system to install in your home by first establishing your home’s square footage. You may get the number written somewhere, or you may have to determine it by measuring it on your own.
To find out the square footage of a room on your own, you’ll need to use a tape measure to determine the room’s length and width and multiply them together. Repeat that for every hallway and room, then add all the numbers together to get the square footage of your house.
Next, you’ll need to calculate the base British Thermal Units (BTUs) for your home by multiplying the square footage by 25. If you have high ceilings that are higher than eight feet, you’ll also need to multiply the base amount by 25% or 1.25.
After getting the base BTUs for the size of your house, you can determine what size heating and AC units you need. For a furnace, divide the base BTU by the furnace’s efficiency in decimal form. For an air conditioner, divide the BTU by 12,000 to get the required tonnage.
Precise Calculations for HVAC Size
For more accurate measurements, you can have an HVAC professional perform Manual J calculations. These calculations will consider the square footage as well as other important factors like:
- The area’s climate
- Number, condition, and orientation of windows
- Type and amount of wall insulation
- Number of occupants
The professional will then establish the ideal measurements for a unit that meets your home’s needs.
It’s costly to install a new HVAC unit. Therefore, you should make every effort to pick the right HVAC size for your house. To determine the right HVAC size in the Dayton area, contact Ace Hardware Home Services.
