What Size HVAC System Do I Need?

Understanding the Factors that Determine HVAC Sizing

HVAC maintenance

Understanding the Factors that Determine HVAC Sizing

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Essential Guide to Sizing Your Air Conditioner & Furnace


What Does HVAC Size Mean?

HVAC unit sizing does not refer to the physical measurements and size of the unit, but the sizing refers to the HVAC's capacity to cool or heat an area effectively. Dimensions are measured in tons, however, tonnage does not describe the system's weight as expected. Tonnage, in the context of HVAC systems, refers to the capacity to heat or cool a residence effectively and efficiently. The tonnage of an HVAC system is the quantity of warmth the system can eliminate per hour to cool the residence.


Why is it important to Get the Right Size System?

When you figure out the right dimension system your residence requires, it is crucial to stick to this dimension when you purchase your new device. HVAC units are not one-size-fits-all, and it's not advisable to size up or down to locate a better fit as you would with other gadgets and devices. The dimension of your device directly impacts the amount of energy it consumes, how it operates, and the comfortable temperature inside your house.

If you purchase a unit that is too small for the residence, that unit won't have enough capacity to keep rooms at comfortable temperature levels. The system will run for longer periods as it attempts to offset its shortcomings, using an excess of energy. An HVAC system that runs for longer periods will have an increased deterioration rate, which will trigger extra breakdowns, and a faulty system that requires repairs more often.

A larger unit won't maintain a comfortable temperature in your residence if it's not the appropriate sizing for your space and needs. With excess capability, the HVAC device will still be able to cool or heat but will fail to do so at a moderate and consistent rate. The cycles will be too short and will cause damage to the device and thus decrease the otherwise long life span. The short cooling cycles cause the temperature to fluctuate which leads to your home not being at a consistently comfortable temperature.

What Sized HVACE Do I Require?

The best way to find out what accurate dimension HVAC your residence requires is to seek advice from a certified HVAC technician. Many factors contribute to determining the ideal size HVAC unit for a residence - it's not just the size of the space. Many elements impact the homes requirements, these consists of:

  • Square footage
  • Number of stories
  • Ceiling elevations
  • Number of windows and doors
  • Insulation degrees
  • Building materials
  • Number of residents
  • Residence's orientation

These elements are factored in when a professional HVAC technician executes a hand-operated J Load estimation, which displays the home's cooling load. This estimation indicates the amount of BTUs of heat are required to be removed from an area per hour, so you'll know the appropriate capacity your home or residential room needs from an HVAC system.


To find out the best HVAC size for your home, Contact Us Today!

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Customer Testimonials

See what our happy customers have to say about their experience with Best Owner Direct HVAC & Electrical and why they continue to choose us for their home comfort needs.

    Been using them for years after the owner Kevin showed up so fast when our furnace went out one year. Been a fan since! Now, Danny is so great to work with, also. So friendly, knowledgable, fast. You guys are the best!

    Jessie M.

    Danny came out on a Saturday to diagnosis and fix my mom’s hvac unit.   He was able to quickly determine what the problem was and had all the parts to complete the repair right then.  His communication was clear and did a really good job helping us understand what caused the issue.  I would definitely recommend him and will be calling his company with any needs in the future. Thanks again!

    Michael R.

    Fantastic customer service! I had a furnace issue, called late morning and they fit me in for diagnostic right away. Technician was extremely knowledgable, walked me thru everything he found - unfortunately needed a new furnace (was 24 years old anyways), got it scheduled and installed within 24 hours as everything was in the warehouse (probably got lucky on what we needed). Overall excellent customer service, from scheduling to diagnostic, to installation. Highly recommend.

    Brad D.

    WOW! So impressed with so many aspects of this company. We had an animal die under the house in and could smell it coming out of the vents. When I called around, pest control was weeks out and Best Owner Direct was able to come the next day. Our technician, Danny was absolutely INCREDIBLE! Very professional, kind and made sure we had the problem taken care of the same day so we could breathe again! I look forward to continuing to work with them in the future for our HVAC needs.

    Todd & Tiffany F.

    Daniel was excellent, attentive to detail and committed to completing all tasks other installers overlooked. He worked tirelessly into the evening making sure everything was working properly with a water heather install, and he had a great attitude all along.

    Alma H.

    Excellent customer service, great communications answering all of our questions, left the site clean, and very respectful of our space within the house. Arranged to have someone come from the office later in the week to explain how the thermostat works.

    Vinod S.

    BOD is fast, efficient and affordable life save for my client who is purchasing a home with an old HVAC. Best Owner came quickly to help her asses the cost to replace it, and I will continue to recommend their services!

    Laurel A.