Many different areas of the United States seem very warm temperatures, some see it year round. With the intense heat, it is no wonder why home air conditioning accounts for nearly 5 percent of all the electricity costs in the United States. This equals about $15 billion dollars in costs to homeowners. Many homeowners are seeking to replace their older HVAC systems and air conditioners with newer, more efficient ones. These homeowners should understand that getting the correct size of HVAC system and air conditioning can make a big difference in the correct temperatures in the home, the wil, and the energy efficiency.
The most common mistake homeowners make when purchasing a new HVAC system is getting on that is too big. This means more installation expense for you, inefficient operation, increased energy bills, and more break downs. A system that is too big can also cause significant temperature swings, making your home more uncomfortable for you, your family, and your guests. Systems that are too large often have more problems due to more duct leakage and increased fan and blower use.
Beware of an HVAC installation contractor tries to use a rule of thumb system or sell you a system that is at least as big as your current one or bigger. If anything, it should be smaller. The actual size of your system should be based on the specifics of your home, not a blanket chart or formula. The only method that should be relied upon when choosing the correct size system for your home is Manual J or Manual D, as published by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, or ACCA, for short.
These manuals examine key factors in your home, such as the local climate, the size, orientation, and shape of the house, the color of the roof’s surface, how much insulation you have, the total area of walls, windows, ceilings, and floors, air infiltration rates, duct air leakage, the types an efficiencies of other appliances in the home (which give off their own heat), and number of occupants in the home, and their individual preferences.
Purchasing the correct size HVAC system for your home is the best thing you can do for your wallet, your comfort, and your home’s energy efficiency. Follow us for more informative articles about HVAC sizing, home energy efficiency, heating, and cooling.
