How the Pros Size an HVAC System for Your Sylmar, CA, Home

Choosing the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It affects your home enjoyment and your utility costs. In this HVAC sizing guide, the experts at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating will explain how to select the best size of heating and cooling system for your home, what factors they take into account and why picking the ideal size HVAC is so important to your satisfaction.

Why HVAC System Size Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size is different for each home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn’t have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely warm or chilly weather. However, an HVAC system that’s too big is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can lead to complications that make your home less enjoyable.

Key Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Sylmar, CA

To determine the correct HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating conduct a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are required to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates multiple factors, such as:

• Home size: 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 be required to keep comfortable?
• Amount of insulation: A fully insulated home retains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can impact how much heating and cooling power you need.
• Regional Climate: The local climate in Sylmar, CA, plays a significant role in finding the correct size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates might need a system with an increased cooling capacity, while cooler regions may need less.
• Number of windows: Windows can be a major source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double pane can greatly impact heating and cooling requirements.
• Amount of sun: A home that gets a lot of sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn’t, which affects central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also affect the proper HVAC size.

HVAC Size Mistakes Homeowners Often Make

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

Another typical mistake is not engaging a professional. It’s vital to have an experienced HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to find the right HVAC size.

What Difference Does HVAC System Size Make?

An inadequately sized system can result in comfort problems and cost you money. Here’s a closer look at the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

• Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often seem to run all the time to try to heat or cool 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 lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your whole home, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
• Higher energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly trying to keep up uses more energy, increasing your monthly power bills and costing you money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system uses less power and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Issues from oversized HVAC systems

• Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is an unnecessary expense.
• Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can result in wear and tear on your equipment, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
• Humidity issues: An HVAC system should balance indoor air moisture, but an oversized HVAC system often completes its cycle before it has time to accomplish that task. This can lead to indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get the Right HVAC System Size by Working With the Pros at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating  

Now that you know some of the things that influence what HVAC system size is right for you, it’s time to choose a new heating and cooling system. AZ Air Conditioning and Heating can help.

We’ll evaluate your home and give you a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll analyze your home to find the ideal HVAC system size for you, so you can have a comfortable home every day of the year.

Call (877) 559-6081 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Sylmar, CA.