Choosing the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It affects your ability to enjoy your home and your power expenses. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Polar Air & Mechanical will explain how to choose the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why choosing the best size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

What Impact Does HVAC System Size Make on Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size differs from home to home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home pleasant. It shouldn't have to work extremely hard to keep up in extremely warm or cold weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, increases your energy expenses and can cause problems that make your home less comfortable.

Key Features Professionals Consider for HVAC Sizing in Myrtle Beach, SC

To choose the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Polar Air & Mechanical conduct a Manual J load calculation to determine how many British Thermal Units (BTUs) are needed to heat and cool and the home. A Manual J calculation evaluates multiple features of your home, such as:

  • Square footage: The size of the home is arguably the most significant factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system have to keep comfortable?
  • Amount of insulation: A fully insulated home maintains the indoor temperature more effectively, which can impact how much heating and cooling power you need.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Myrtle Beach, SC, plays a significant role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in sunnier climates may require a system with a higher cooling capacity, while cooler regions may demand less.
  • Window size: Windows can be a significant source of energy loss. The number, dimensions, type of glass used, and whether they’re single paned or double paned can significantly affect heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a considerable sunlight will automatically be warmer than one that doesn't, which influences central air sizing. Orientation in relation to prevailing winds and number of nearby shade trees also influence the appropriate HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake homeowners make when choosing the size of home 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 employing a professional. It's crucial to have an experienced HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential elements into consideration to establish the appropriate HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An improperly sized system can cause comfort problems and drive up your monthly power bills. Here's a closer look at the pitfalls of a wrong-sized HVAC:

Undersized HVAC system problems:

  • Shorter system life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often operate continuously to attempt to regulate the temperature of a home, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can result in breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An uncomfortable home: Small HVAC systems lack the necessary capacity to heat and cool your entire residence, which can cause hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are uncomfortably cold.
  • Higher energy bills: An underpowered HVAC system that operates nonstop trying to keep up uses more energy, driving up your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system uses less power and helps to reduce your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Wasted money: Larger HVAC systems typically have a higher purchase price, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home needs is a waste of money.
  • Less service life and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are excessively large often cycle on and off, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your equipment, shortening its service life or requiring HVAC repair.
  • Excessive indoor humidity: An HVAC system should control the moisture level in your home, but an oversized HVAC system might not run long enough to accomplish that task. This can result in indoor air quality issues, and encourage the growth of mildew or mold.

Get Professional HVAC Sizing and Replacement by Working with Polar Air & Mechanical  

Now that you know some of the aspects of your home that impact what HVAC system size is right for you, it's time to find a new heating and cooling system. Polar Air & Mechanical can help.

We’ll evaluate your home and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate for HVAC installation. We’ll evaluate your home to identify the most suitable HVAC system size for you, so you can enjoy a cozy environment every day of the year.

Call 843-253-4874 today to book your free estimate for HVAC installation in Myrtle Beach, SC.