What Size Should My Replacement Furnace Be?

February 29, 2016

What Size Should My Replacement Furnace Be?

You’ve found yourself the point where it’s time for a furnace replacement or perhaps you see this point approaching quickly, but how do you figure out the size of system you’ll need? Picking the correct size is critical for your system’s efficiency and your home’s comfort. There’s a perfect furnace out there for you and your home’s needs.

When replacing your system, bigger isn’t always better.

Putting in a system that is too large wastes energy and money. A larger system will constantly be warming up and cooling down because it’s output will not require it to operateas long. This is known as “short cycling” and it increases the wear on your system and in turn reduces the lifecycle of your system. An oversized system will cost you more money up front and down the road.

On the other hand, a system that is too small will operate too long and won’t be able to fully heat your home when the weather gets cold. An incorrectly sized system will have to work harder, your energy costs will be higher and your comfort will be impacted because of that. It’s very important to talk to a professional that will do a load calculation and advise you on the right system for your needs.

How is Load Calculation Determined?

A home’s load calculation used to be decided based solely on square footage and was often erroneous. Technology and knowledge have evolved a lot since then. When you’re ready for a replacement furnace, one of the experts from Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling will study your home as a whole and then be able to give an accurate load calculation. Load calculations are made of everything from the construction of your home, amount of insulation, the local climate in addition to type and color of your roof, to the number of home occupants – a truly complete assessment of your needs.

A properly sized and functioning HVAC system will not only keep you more comfortable, it will also save you money. Purchasing a replacement furnace is a huge decision, which is why we want to be sure your system will meet or exceed all of your needs. We are here to help you along throughout the process. If you are ready for a furnace replacement or have any questions for the pros at Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling, give us a call at 614-451-0846.