Installing a new HVAC system is an investment that can impact home comfort and energy bills for many years to come. As such, it’s important to get it right the first time since there are no test drives. The secret to maximizing efficiency and comfort comes down to proper HVAC sizing. You should only trust an experienced pro that follows industry best practices to correctly calculate BTUs for HVAC sizing.
Why Correct HVAC Sizing is Important
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that the majority of HVAC systems are sized too large for their homes. HVAC industry experts agree. The problem is that too many people follow decades-old sizing practices to determine the size of their furnace or A/C. The following are some common issues caused by over-sized systems:
- Over-sized systems heat and cool the home too quickly. They shut off and turn back on in quick cycles, which can wear out system components faster, waste energy and reduce home comfort.
- Over-sized A/Cs don’t dehumidify well. With the annual average humidity higher than 70 percent in our Fresno area, home dehumidification is an important factor in home comfort.
- Over-sized furnaces are prone to overheating, which can shut your system down.
Calculating HVAC BTUs
BTUs is an acronym for British Thermal Units, which is a measurement of heat output. To calculate the BTUs of a new HVAC system, your technician must match your system to the heating and cooling load of your home. HVAC-industry best practices dictating the load should be calculated using Manual J from the Air Conditioning Contractor of America (ACCA).
Manual J involves dozens of assessments and data collection concerning a home’s sun orientation, design, window number, occupants, local weather and much more. HVAC system features and add-on equipment, such as zoning systems, air purification systems and variable-speed blowers, are included in the load calculation.
For best results, rely on the pros at Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning to calculate BTUs for HVAC sizing. We proudly serve homeowners in Fresno and the surrounding areas.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Fresno, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about hvac sizing and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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