Why Does Furnace Size Matter & How is it Determined?

When you have the correct size furnace in your home, you’ll notice a difference in your home’s comfort level and in your utility bills. Any time you replace an existing home furnace, you must take steps to replace it with a unit that’s sized properly for your home. Learn the consequences of having the wrong size of furnace and tips for how to select the right sized unit.

Why Furnace Size Matters

With the wrong size furnace in your home, you will experience problems. If the furnace is too small to properly heat your home, the unit will wear out faster than in optimal conditions and it may not properly heat your home during temperature lows. As a result, you may notice pockets of warm air and cold air in the house, leaving some rooms quite uncomfortable. A too-small furnace may also require more maintenance to prolong a unit that ultimately is a poor choice for your home.

Conversely, if the furnace is too large for your home, it will cost more up front and it will also require significant maintenance throughout its lifespan. The furnace will run through the stop and start cycle very frequently, which is very hard on a furnace, leading to a shorter life and significant wear and tear on the unit. You’ll also see higher utility bills, since the unit consumes a large amount of power each time it starts up.

When the furnace is sized properly for your home, it will keep you warm no matter the weather and without incurring significant wear and tear. Currently homeowners are required by many building departments to have a load calculation performed within the home before selecting a new home furnace. This helps to ensure a proper fit.

How to Determine Furnace Size

Our HVAC service professionals can perform a load calculation and ensure that you select the right size home furnace. Variables taken into consideration include your home’s building materials, your home’s direction, your home construction and level of insulation, and the type of windows in your home.

If your existing furnace is showing signs of failure, it’s time to think seriously about replacement. Contact Indoor Air Quality today to learn more about selecting the right type of furnace for your home.