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4 Reasons Why the Size of Your HVAC System is So Important
The size of your home’s HVAC system is an important consideration for a number of reasons. Properly sizing your air conditioner and heating system affects performance, efficiency, and wear and tear over the life of the system.
Here are some of the main reasons for getting an HVAC system that is the right size for your home.
1. Performance and comfort
A common assumption many homeowners have is that a larger HVAC system will heat and cool a home more quickly. Faster doesn’t mean better, however. An air conditioner, for example, that is too large for your home will cool rapidly and shut off quickly. These short cycles don’t give the system enough time to properly circulate the air. Despite the quick heating or cooling, you end up paying more in energy costs for less comfort. Poor air circulation also contributes to stale air and air quality issues such as increased allergens.
2. Fewer repairs
A smaller HVAC system will be less expensive to purchase, but an undersized system also has its problems. If the system is too small for your home, it will have difficulty meeting the heating or cooling demands of your home. Maintaining the right temperature and comfort level will require the system to work harder than it should. This overuse and excessive stress can cause parts to wear out quicker, increasing the risk of expensive repairs. The money you save upfront may well go to service calls when the system breaks down.
3. Longer lifespan
An oversized or undersized HVAC system will always have to work harder than it was designed to. That means more wear and tear leading to more frequent repairs and a shorter lifespan. Replacing a system sooner adds to the overall cost. You can protect your investment by initially purchasing the HVAC that is the right size for your home.
4. Greater energy efficiency
An HVAC system that is too large or too small will waste energy. The system uses the most energy when it powers on, so a larger-than-necessary system that starts up frequently throughout the day will use more energy. An undersized system will also use too much energy in its effort to cool or heat a home that requires a bigger system. Even a system that is designed for high efficiency will lose efficiency if it is forced to start too frequently or run too long. This means higher bills for the homeowner.
To get the most from your energy dollars, consider installing the highest efficiency system you can afford in order to minimize operating costs. Choose the model that is best-suited for your home, change the air filter regularly and keep up with annual maintenance.
