When the time comes to upgrade your outdated furnace, it’s important to realize one size does not fit all. A system that is not sized appropriately for your home, will not only hurt your comfort but can mean a shortened life of your furnace, and leave you with larger energy costs.

If you select a unit oversized for your home, you’ll start to run into short cycles. This means your oversized furnace heated your home too fast, turning off before the furnace can reach correct operating temperatures. An undersized or oversized system can lead to a decreased life span and higher costs.

How can you be certain about the right furnace size for your home? Get started with a load calculation from the team at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. A load calculation takes particulars from your home into consideration and gauges the Btu (a number that indicates the heating capacity of a furnace) necessary to heat your space.

Some Items that Influence Furnace Size

  • Square Footage—How big is the area your furnace will be heating? The technician will be sure to carefully measure the square footage of your home. Not every inch of your home will be accounted for during this process. Many times, it is more valuable to account only for the space that needs heating.
  • Home Insulation—Insulation assists in keeping warm air from leaving your home during the cold winter months. It also heavily affects energy efficiency and how large of a heating system will be necessary. Let the team from Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling evaluate the insulation in your walls and attic. They’ll help you choose the best furnace for your house.
  • Type of Window—Just like your walls, the certain type of windows in your home, frame type, glaze type, gas fills/spaces, etc. will have an impact on the heating and cooling needs of your home.
  • Outdoor Climate—Factor in the range of weather you get in Greater Richmond. You’ll want a furnace that can handle the conditions of your area every year, without overworking itself.

Don’t settle for ‘close enough’ when picking your new furnace. Let the professionals at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling help you pick a system that will fit your home properly. When you’re ready to begin, call us at 804-302-6657 or book an appointment online. Whether you have some questions about furnace size or want to learn more of the options for your space, our team is happy to help you out.