Selecting an appropriately sized furnace is essential for a home to remain energy-efficient and comfortable throughout the winter. If you're in the market for a new furnace, you may have wondered, "What size furnace do I need?" If you can relate, know that you're not alone--it's a crucial component in upgrading your indoor comfort! So, how is a furnace size calculated in the first place? Below, we'll go into greater detail about the value of choosing the proper furnace size as well as how it affects heating efficiency and utility expenses.
To learn more information, keep reading!
What size furnace do I need?
Selecting the right furnace size is essential for your home's overall comfort and energy efficiency levels. For instance, an undersized furnace may struggle to meet your home's heating needs, which can cause discomfort and increased wear and tear on the heating system.
In contrast, a furnace that is too large would cycle between on and off more frequently, resulting in uneven heating, waste of energy, and higher utility bills. Both possibilities result in reduced efficiency as a whole and early system failure—neither of which are desirable problems to have to deal with during the wintertime.
Because of this, it's critical that you understand the aspects that go into choosing a furnace and how you can ensure that the installation of your furnace suits your particular needs and house.
How to Calculate the Size of Your New Furnace
When purchasing a new furnace, it's critical that you know how to determine the system's capacity and dimensions in order to make sure your house will be heated appropriately for what you require. To choose the appropriate furnace size for your home, use the following instructions:
Step 1: Do a heat load calculation: A heat load calculation, also called a Manual J calculation, should be carried out by a qualified HVAC expert only. Although there are tools available online to assist you with this, you should always consult a licensed HVAC technician to ensure an exact estimate because there are many elements that must be taken into account that online tools don't often consider. The following variables are included in a Manual J calculation:
· The dimensions and design of your house.
· The standard of insulation in the entirety of your home.
· The quantity and arrangement of your windows and doors.
· Climate patterns in the surrounding region.
· Your personal preferences and needs for heating.
· The effectiveness of your home's air ducts in terms of air distribution.
· And much more.
Step 2: Choose your furnace
Once a professional HVAC specialist has conducted a Manual J calculation, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from numerous furnace models before having it expertly installed in your home. It’s really that easy when you work with a professional company like Mr. Furnace Heating and Air Conditioning!
Our professionals are able to identify nuances in your home's features that you might overlook, resulting in a more precise assessment of the heat load. They can also recommend energy-saving options, provide you advice on the proper furnace capacity for optimal warmth and efficiency, and offer insights into the latest advances in technology.
In the end, a professional assessment guarantees that the heating system you buy precisely matches the requirements of your home, which will increase efficiency ratings and save you money.
Common Sizing Mistakes
Determining the size of the furnace is an essential first step in ensuring effective home heating. Still, homeowners frequently choose the incorrect size for their brand-new heating system as they lack the necessary knowledge to do so appropriately, which can cause a plethora of issues down the road. Here's a closer look at a few errors we find with DIY projects:
· Only using square footage: This is a mistake that many homeowners make when attempting to determine the size of their furnaces. While square footage is crucial, it doesn't take into account other important factors like the number of windows, weather, and insulation quality.
· Overlooking climate: A furnace's heat capacity is influenced by average climate conditions where you live. Failing to consider the local climate and how it impacts the heating load could lead to an oversized or undersized furnace.
· Ignoring insulation quality: The amount of heat required in a house is significantly influenced by its insulation and energy efficiency ratings. Ignoring these variables can lead to an inaccurate estimate.
· Disregarding the positioning and quality of windows: Windows play a significant role in heat gain and loss in your home. Ignoring the location and quality of the windows in your house can lead to an incorrect estimation of the furnace's size.
· Ignoring air duct quality: A heating system's efficiency is also impacted by the design and condition of its ductwork. Ignoring problems with the ducting could result in a system that is inefficient and has uneven heating.
As you can see, working with a reputable HVAC provider in your region will help you avoid these typical problems since they can precisely determine the size of the furnace required to heat your residence efficiently.
Upgrading Your Furnace? Contact Mr. Furnace Today
When it comes to upgrading the furnace in your home, professional installations are the only way to go. DIY attempts can lead to damages, inefficiencies, and mounting repair bills.
With over 45 years of experience, Mr. Furnace Heating and Air Conditioning has partnered with thousands of homeowners on their furnace upgrade projects. We have the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to ensure the results of your furnace benefit you and your loved ones for years to come.
To learn more about the heating options available to you, book a consultation appointment with a home comfort advisor today. During your consultation appointment, a home comfort advisor will also inform you of our current discounts and financing options. All consultations include a free quote as well.
Mr. Furnace proudly partners with homeowners in Beamsville, Fort Erie, Lincoln, Port Colborne, Winona, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, Welland, Smithville, and the surrounding areas.
Book your consultation over the phone or use our online booking form!
