What is the Right Furnace Size For Your Home?

Are you planning to upgrade your old furnace or install a new one in your home? It can be overwhelming to choose among the various types and sizes of furnaces available in the market. But one thing is for sure: finding the right furnace size for your home is crucial. Explore furnaces and which can be the perfect size for your property. 

Why Does Furnace Size Matter?

Before we dive into the specifics of choosing a furnace size, let's first understand why size matters in the first place. A too small furnace for your home will struggle to meet the heating demands, leaving you with cold spots and discomfort. On the other hand, an oversized furnace will lead to frequent on-and-off cycles, known as short cycling, resulting in higher energy bills and potential damage to the system. Therefore, getting the right size is essential for both comfort and efficiency.

Calculating Furnace Size

Now, let's get to the main question - how do you determine the right furnace size for your home? The answer lies in a process called Manual J calculation. It considers factors such as your region's climate, your home's square footage, the number and size of windows, insulation levels, and more. It is essential to get this calculation done by a professional HVAC contractor to avoid errors.

Factors Affecting Furnace Size

Apart from the Manual J calculation, there are other factors you need to consider when choosing a furnace size for your home.

• Climate: If you live in an area with harsh winters, you will need a larger furnace than someone in warmer weather.
• Insulation: A well-insulated home will require a smaller furnace as it retains heat better, while a poorly insulated home will need a larger furnace to compensate for heat loss.
• Size of Home: The square footage of your home is one of the primary factors in determining furnace size. Larger homes typically require larger furnaces.
• Number and Size of Windows: The number and size of windows in your home impact heat loss. More or larger windows will require a higher heating output furnace.

Seek Professional Help

While it's possible to do a rough estimate using online calculators, it's always best to seek professional help from a licensed HVAC technician. On that note,  MieHi HVAC contractors have done a great job so far. Therefore, before recommending the right furnace size, they will calculate Manual J and consider other factors, such as your home's ductwork design and overall energy efficiency.

Signs of an Incorrectly Sized Furnace

If you're not sure whether your current furnace is the right size for your home, here are some signs that may indicate it's too big or small:

• Short cycling: As mentioned earlier, an oversized furnace will turn on and off frequently, while an undersized one may have longer run times.
• Uneven heating: If you notice cold spots or uneven heating in your home, it could indicate that your furnace needs to be the right size.
• High energy bills: An improperly sized furnace can lead to higher-than-usual energy bills due to inefficiency.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right furnace size for your home is crucial for comfort and efficiency. Before deciding, consider the climate, square footage, insulation levels, and other factors. And remember, it's always best to consult a professional HVAC technician, MileHi HVAC, who can guide you in finding the perfect furnace size for your home.