The Importance of a Properly Sized HVAC System
Why does the size of your HVAC system matter? If you’ve ever been in a house that is never quite cool enough or the AC is an arctic blast, you already know the answer. The perfect amount of cooling (and heating) comes from a properly sized HVAC system for each home. This is not just for comfort, but also for energy efficiency. A system that is too large will overpower the house and spend more electricity than necessary. A system that is too small won’t keep up and will work too hard.
This is why homeowners benefit from a professional consultation when selecting their new HVAC system. These experts can help you assess your home’s needs and choose a properly sized HVAC system.
The Goldilocks Principle: Not Too Big, Not Too Small
The Goldilocks principle in HVAC is that a system can be “too hot” or “too cold” and between them is the Goldilocks Zone in which systems are sized “just right”.
1. Oversized Systems
Oversized HVAC systems will not be able to balance the flow of air and the power of its heating and cooling to the size of the house. It will turn on, overpower the house, and turn off too quickly – known as short cycling. Short cycling wastes energy and wears down your HVAC quickly, which is why a good thermostat cannot be used to balance the power of an oversized system. You’ll also spend more on power and repairs—not to mention, short blasts of extremely cold or hot air tend to make a home uncomfortable.
2. Undersized Systems
An undersized HVAC system will constantly run to keep up, never quite powerful enough to fully cool or heat the house. This also leads to constantly running the units instead of efficiently coasting for many hours at a comfortable temperature. Naturally, this leads to higher energy consumption and more wear because the units never rest. Your home will never have the right temperature because the HVAC can’t push hard enough.
3. Goldilocks Zone Systems
A properly sized HVAC system can also provide a gentle yet efficient amount of heating or cooling and maintain that temperature evenly throughout the house using the minimum amount of electricity and wear on the units.
Benefits of a Properly Sized HVAC System
There are several important benefits of having a properly sized HVAC system, including:
1. Enhanced Comfort
A properly sized HVAC can push even cooling and heating. There will be sufficient air pressure coming through each vent in every room of the house, eliminating hot/cold spots and cycling the air comfortably for better air quality. This also leads to optimal temperatures and indoor comfort.
2. Improved Energy Efficiency
HVACs are also designed to cycle off and on at a steady pace, using the thermostat to run the heating/cooling units as little as possible without short cycling. The right HVAC system size will use the least amount of electricity to keep your home at the right temperature.
3. Longer Lifespan
When your HVAC can keep up with temperature demands without overworking or short-cycling, you will enjoy fewer repairs and a longer overall lifespan for your units.
4. Better Air Quality
A properly sized HVAC system also provides the right air pressure to cycle air through the intake and filter. This allows it to remove dust, allergens, and pollutants and improve indoor air quality.
How to Determine the Right Size
So how do you figure out the right HVAC size for your home? Here are some things you should consider:
1. Professional Load Calculation
An HVAC professional will calculate the total air pressure needed to evenly distribute air throughout your home. This depends on the size of your home, the design of your ducts, and the power level needed in the summer and winter when cooling/heating demands are at their peak.
2. Consider SEER Ratings
An HVAC’s SEER Rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) determines how efficiently it uses energy. Look for units with a high SEER rating to pay less on cooling or heating energy for the next decade or two.
3. Don’t Rely on Old Systems
Lastly, don’t base your HVAC sizing on the old system. It is possible that the old system was not properly sized or that your home’s needs have changed. Home renovations such as finishing a basement or attic or add-on projects may have changed your ventilation balance. The power of older units also does not compare to modern units. Always start with a load calculation before choosing your new HVAC system.
Find Your “Just Right” HVAC With Mid-Fla Heating & Air
At Mid-Fla Heating & Air, we know how important a new and high-performing HVAC system is to your home. We can quickly conduct an accurate load calculation and help you choose the best HVAC system to match your home’s size, ventilation needs, and the efficient cooling demands of Florida summer. Contact us today for a consultation on your HVAC replacement plans!
