When the time comes to replace your old furnace, the first question you need to ask yourself is “What size furnace do I need?” It isn’t always as straightforward as looking at the existing unit and getting an identical replacement. Here’s some information that will help you make the right heating decision for your home.
How to Size a Furnace
Calculating the right-sized furnace for your home requires careful measurements and inclusion of the following information:
- The cubic footage of each room in the home, including basement and attic spaces
- Existing insulation levels in the walls, attic and floors
- The number and size of windows in the home and their orientation toward the sun
- The home’s layout
- The number of people in the home and their ages
- The number of heat-producing appliances within the home
- Landscaping that affects the home’s sun exposure
- Air infiltration into the home
- Temperature preferences and climate conditions
Once all of this data has been compiled, it’s then possible to determine what size furnace you need to effectively heat your home.
Why Furnace Size Matters
Many people believe that it’s alright to get a larger furnace than they really need. The reasoning is that a larger furnace will help keep them warmer should a cold spell hit here in Florida. This is a mistake that can cost you money. If a furnace is too large for your home, it will short cycle, or turn off and on frequently. This causes it to consume considerable energy, which in turn drives up your heating bills. Conversely, if a furnace is too small, it will struggle to keep your home warm. Over time, the strain of trying to keep up with your heating demands will cause the unit to wear out and break down, leading to costly repairs. Due to the precise nature and importance of proper system sizing, it is highly recommended to use the services of a professional HVAC contractor.
At Senica Air Conditioning, Inc., we’ve been helping clients in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater find the right size furnaces for their homes since 1992. Contact us today for expert advice on what size furnace your home needs, or for any other home comfort issues.
