Determining your home’s HVAC needs involves a detailed evaluation of its construction characteristics and a lengthy session with the tape measure and a computer. The HVAC industry has developed software called Manual J to guide them through the critical load calculation for equipment sizing.
Systems operate most comfortably and efficiently when they’re right-sized for the home. The load calculation is the first and most important step in the selection and installation process that uses these considerations:
Home Size
The size of your home drives the size of an HVAC system, and it should be measured in cubic rather than square footage. HVAC systems have to heat or cool by air volume, not floor space.
Insulation Levels
The amount of insulation throughout the home has a major impact on the size of the new system you’ll need. A well insulated home won’t need as much, since less heat transfer occurs year-round.
Air Infiltration Rates
All those small air leaks in your home’s envelope might add up to the equivalent of leaving a door or window open year-round. Leaving them unsealed increases the size of the HVAC system your home requires.
Windows
Energy Star and thermal-rated windows block heat transfer year-round, but inefficient windows cause significant energy losses, even when they’re closed tightly. Their size, location and exposure to the sun are major drivers of HVAC needs. If you’re not sure what kind you have, hold your hand on the glass on a cold day. One that’s room temperature is likely an efficient window.
Floorplan
Homes with multiple stories have different airflow dynamics that will make a difference in the system you choose, along with its placement.
Personal Preferences
Some people like cool temperatures in the summer and warm in the winter. Others choose to keep their home temperatures within a moderate range to save money and energy. Where you stand makes a difference in the size you need.
If you’re considering new equipment, commit the time to discovering your HVAC needs with a trusted contractor. To learn more, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning, serving Lorain-area homeowners.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC considerations and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area