When the time comes to replace your outdated furnace, it’s important to realize one size does not fit all.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 result in shortened life of your furnace, and leave you spending extra money on your utility bills.
If you pick a unit oversized for your house, you’ll start to experience short cycles. The reason is that your oversized furnace heated your home too rapidly, turning off before the furnace can reach the right operating temperatures. An undersized or oversized system can lead to a decreased life span and cost you more in energy bills.
How can you be confident in the proper furnace size for your home? Begin with a load calculation from the professionals at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. A load calculation takes specifics from your home into consideration and gauges the Btu (a number that indicates the heating capacity of a furnace) required to heat your house.
Some Things that Influence Furnace Size
- Square Footage—How big is the area your furnace will need to heat? 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 beneficial to account only for the space that needs heating.
- Home Insulation—Insulation assists in keeping warm air from escaping your home during the cold winter months. It also strongly 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 select the best furnace for your house.
- Type of Window—Just like your walls, the particular type of windows in your home, frame type, glaze type, gas fills/spaces, etc. will influence your heating and cooling requirements.
- Outdoor Climate—Factor in the range of weather you receive in Greater Richmond. You’ll want a furnace that can sustain the conditions of your environment every year, without overworking itself.
Don’t settle for ‘close enough’ when selecting your new furnace. Let the experts at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling help you identify a unit that will fit your home properly. When you’re ready to get started, you can reach us at 804-302-6657 or book an appointment online. Whether you have a few more questions about furnace size or want to chat about options for your space, we’re happy to help you out.