The Importance of Proper HVAC Sizing

Air Conditioning AC Outside

6 of the Best Technologies for Improving Your IAQ

Jan 26, 2019

Air Conditioning AC Outside

Adding a new HVAC system to your house in Longview, Texas, is a big step toward making a more comfortable home. While you have many options to choose from, remember that there’s one feature that you must correctly consider for your HVAC system to be effective. HVAC systems come in different sizes, and you need an appropriately sized unit for your house. Here’s a look at the importance of proper HVAC sizing.

HVAC System That’s Too Small

HVAC systems should be sized according to the space that they will serve. If you choose an HVAC system that’s too small, it won’t keep up with the power you’re asking it to pull to reach the set temperature. As a result, it won’t be able to properly maintain a comfortable home environment. Your electricity bills will skyrocket, too, as your system will have to work harder to cool your home.

HVAC System That’s Too Large

Many homes often have HVAC systems that are too big for their needs. That’s because homeowners think that “bigger must be better.” However, systems that are too big cycle off before they completely cool your home. As a result, you’ll experience inconsistent temperatures, high energy bills, and increased repairs due to wear and tear.

Because these systems turn themselves on and off so frequently, oversized AC units don’t run for a long enough period to dehumidify your air. As a result, they also leave your family feeling sticky and uncomfortable on hot days.

Calculate Your Space’s Needs

To know what HVAC system is the right size, a service technician will calculate the needs of your space using a Manual J calculation. The service technician will begin by measuring the overall square footage of your space. Then, the service technician will calculate the BTU (amount of energy used to cool a space) by multiplying your square footage by 25. This will give them a base BTU score that your new HVAC system should reach.

The output of an HVAC unit is measured in tons of air processed and moved. You need a system that can move the right tonnage of air per hour for your space. However, not every space has the same requirements. It depends on the climate in which you reside.

For example, two 1,600-square-foot homes in different climates can need different ton ratings. The house in the hotter climate requires a higher rating since there’s more heat to remove from the air. Therefore, that house needs a stronger system.

A basic unit can move 400 tons and hotter climates can add up to 25 percent of needed cooling power. So, calculate your system needs based off of a 400-ton system, then adjust it by 25 percent to see what the range of systems and costs will be limited to.

The Benefits of a Correctly Sized System

All homes need the correct size of HVAC system to work their best. Getting the right size unit for your home’s needs means less short-cycling, which means less strain on your system to work. It also means improved humidity control, ensuring that your house will remain comfortable, even on the hottest days.

Maintaining Your New System

Once you get your new system that’s correctly sized for your home, make sure you’re taking care of it to keep it working at its best. Schedule regular preventive maintenance to catch any issues early before they become serious. This way, you’re maximizing the system’s efficiency for years to come.

One thing is clear: Every home needs an HVAC system to maintain comfort. Picking the right system can be complicated, but it’s much easier with the help of trained professionals who can measure your space accurately. If you aren’t sure about what size of an HVAC system you need for your home, consult one of our specialists. Call JD’s A/C at (903) 336-6041 to learn more about our residential HVAC services.

Image provided by iStock

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest
Share on linkedin

How to Go Green With Your HVAC System and Settings

Couple Home Sky

How to Go Green With Your HVAC System and Settings

September 21, 2019
Couple Home Sky

You need to do everything you can to keep your Longview, Texas, home comfortable all year long. But at the same time, you care about the environment and want to do your part to not waste energy. Read on to learn how to go green with your HVAC system and settings.

Use Basic Programmable Thermostats

You need innovative technology to stay comfortable and not waste energy blowing air into empty rooms. Basic programmable thermostats are a good buy for those who have a predictable schedule, particularly if you’ll occupy the same rooms at the same times throughout the week. Many thermostats will allow different settings for weekdays versus the weekend but not different settings on individual days.

Enjoy Wi-Fi Connected Thermostats

If you invest in a smart thermostat that you can connect to the internet, you’ll be able to control it when you’re away from home and take advantage of an app interface to modify your settings. They can learn your behaviors and make sure you’re not heating or cooling a home when no one’s there to enjoy it. Considering that the average household spends over $900 a year on their HVAC, you need to be smart about your temperature.

Pay Attention to Energy Star Guidelines

Energy Star-certified HVAC products could save you money on your monthly power bill ,as they also reduce your energy consumption. Energy Star certifies smart thermostats, home HVAC systems and even service technicians. If your HVAC system is over a decade old, a replacement might be in order.

Invest in Routine HVAC Maintenance

Regular maintenance by an HVAC professional includes:

  • Checking your heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion.
  • Cleaning out the blower components.
  • Checking the vent system for leaks or blockages.

Airflow problems can drop your HVAC efficiency by 15 percent. Therefore, it’s important to have your system inspected every fall. A service technician can also tighten any electrical connections that need it. Poor connections are dangerous and impact heating efficacy.

At JD’s A/C, we consider ourselves experts in every step of the installation and maintenance of your HVAC system. We’re available at any time if there’s an emergency. Call us at (903) 759-7483 for answers and assistance.

Image provided by Shutterstock

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest
Share on linkedin
Call Now Button