Choosing the appropriate HVAC system size for your home is vital. It affects your ability to enjoy your home and your energy bills. In this HVAC sizing guide, the professionals at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning will explain how to determine the right size of heating and cooling system for your home, what features they take into account and why choosing the ideal size HVAC is so important to your comfort.

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Your Home Comfort and Efficiency

Proper HVAC size varies for each home. Your HVAC system needs adequate heating and cooling capacity to make your entire home comfortable. It shouldn't struggle to keep up in extremely hot or chilly weather. However, an HVAC system that's too large is inefficient, wastes money and can create issues that make your home less agreeable.

Critical Features Pros Consider for HVAC Sizing in Winnipeg, MB

To choose the appropriate HVAC system size for a home, the HVAC installation experts at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning carry out 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 several factors, such as:

  • Square footage: The size of the home is arguably the most important factor in selecting the size of your HVAC system. How much space will your new HVAC system be required to keep comfortable?
  • Insulation levels in the home: A properly insulated home retains the indoor temperature better, which can impact how much heating and cooling capacity you require.
  • Local Weather: The local climate in Winnipeg, MB, has an important role in identifying the correct size HVAC. Homes in hotter climates might need a system with a greater cooling capacity, while cooler regions may need less.
  • Number of windows: Windows can be a considerable source of energy loss. The number, size, type of glass used, and whether they’re single or double paned can greatly impact heating and cooling requirements.
  • Sun and shade: A home that gets a considerable 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 influence the proper HVAC size.

Common HVAC Size Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake homeowners make when sizing their own HVAC system is to base their decision on square footage. While the square footage of your home has a significant impact on what size HVAC you need, other elements 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 crucial to have a qualified HVAC technician conduct a Manual J calculation, which takes all the essential aspects of your home into consideration to determine the correct HVAC size.

Why Is Your Home HVAC System Size Important?

An improperly sized system can result in 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:

  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are too small often operate continuously to strive to maintain the temperature in a home, leading to more wear and tear. This can cause breakdowns and even require premature HVAC replacement.
  • An unpleasant home: Small HVAC systems don't have enough power to heat and cool your entire residence, which can result in hot, stuffy rooms or areas of your home that are chilly and uncomfortable.
  • Increased energy expenses: An underpowered HVAC system that works constantly trying to keep up uses more energy, running up your monthly power bills and wasting your hard-earned money. A properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system consumes less energy and helps to lower your monthly bills.

Oversized HVAC system problems

  • Unnecessary expenses: Larger HVAC systems tend to cost more money, so buying more heating and cooling capacity than your home requires is a waste of money.
  • Reduced lifespan and breakdowns: HVAC systems that are oversized often start and stop frequently, referred to as short cycling. This can lead to wear and tear on your machine, 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 cause indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth.

Get Help Replacing or Sizing Your Home HVAC System from Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning  

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 select a new heating and cooling system. Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to help.

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

Call 204-272-8128 today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC installation in Winnipeg, MB.