Were you aware that, in Texas, the average home electric bill is 6% higher than the countrywide average? The typical monthly bill here is $231. Nationwide, it’s only $218. Space heating and cooling are the primary drivers of those high electric bills. It’s expensive enough to heat and cool your home, but even more so if your HVAC system sizing is wrong.

This is because a too-big or too-small system uses more energy than necessary. That’s enough reason to learn how to properly size a new or replacement HVAC. We’ll tell you how in this guide, so read on.

Avoid Casual Estimates

In the past, a home’s floor area, measured in square feet, was the only factor used in gauging HVAC sizes. The general rule of thumb was that a system required at least 20 BTU (British Thermal Unit) for each square foot.

BTU measures how much energy an HVAC system needs to heat or cool a space adequately. In units measured in “tons,” 12,000 BTUs equals one ton.

Following that rule, a 2,000-square-foot home would need an HVAC system rated at 40,000 BTU or about 3.5 tons.

However, this method didn’t consider all factors affecting a unit’s ability to heat or cool. This led to many homes having oversized or undersized systems. You don’t want either, as they perform poorly, are inefficient, and are prone to early failure.

Note that a central air conditioner alone, on average, can already cost $3,000 to $8,000. That’s why you’d want to invest in the right HVAC size, as it helps you get your money’s worth. Otherwise, you’ll spend even more if your incorrectly sized system fails early.

Know Which Factors to Consider

Reliable contractors now install HVAC systems based on the Manual J calculation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this is the HVAC sizing method your contractor should use.

It determines your home’s specific heating and cooling needs based on more than just its size. It still uses your home’s size in square or cubic feet, but it also considers the following:

• Brookeland, TX climate
• Number of people living in your home
• Number of exterior doors and windows
• The type and condition of your home insulation
• Your ductwork
• The height of your ceiling

This sizing method also considers features that may alter your home’s indoor temperature. Examples are sunrooms, fireplaces, and heat-generating appliances.

Hire a Trustworthy HVAC Installation Company

Some online calculators can help you determine the right HVAC size to get. However, you still need to plug in the correct values for them to give you accurate results. Some of these may be too technical for typical homeowners (e.g., insulation type and rating).

You can avoid those issues by hiring a reliable HVAC company in Brookeland, TX. They offer free in-home estimates that you can take advantage of to determine the right HVAC size.

Get Your HVAC System Sizing Right

Incorrectly sized HVAC systems cost more in the short and long term. They waste money since they use more energy than needed and break down more often.

You can avoid those problems and unnecessary costs through accurate HVAC system sizing.

Ready to invest in an adequately sized, energy-efficient HVAC system in Brookeland, TX? Then our team of experts here at A1- Refrigeration & Air Conditioning can help! Call us now for your free estimate.