What Size Should My Replacement Furnace Be?

February 29, 2016

What Size Should My Replacement Furnace Be?

You’ve come to the point where it’s time for a furnace replacement or perhaps you see this point approaching quickly, but how do you determine the size of system you’ll need? Choosing the right size is crucial for your system’s efficiency and your home’s comfort. There’s a perfect furnace out there for you and your budget.

When replacing your system, bigger isn’t always better.

Putting in a system that is too large wastes energy and money. A larger system will constantly be warming up and cooling down because it’s productivity will not require it to workas long. This is known as “short cycling” and it increases the wear on your system and in turn decreases the lifespan of your system. An oversized furnace will cost you more money up front and over time.

On the other hand, a system that is undersized will stay on too long and will not be able to fully heat your home when the weather gets cold. An inadequately sized system will have to work harder, your energy expenses may be higher and your comfort will suffer because of that. It’s very important to work with an expert that will complete a load calculation and advise you on the right system for your needs.

How is Load Calculation Determined?

A home’s load calculation used to be calculated based solely on square footage and was often wrong. Technology and knowledge have evolved a lot since then. When you’re ready for a replacement furnace, one of the pros from Appalachian Heating will study your home as a whole and then be able to provide an accurate load calculation. Load calculations are made of everything from the construction of your home, amount of insulation, the local climate as well as type and color of your roof, to the number of home occupants – a truly complete assessment of your needs.

A correctly sized and functioning HVAC system will not only keep you more comfortable, it could also save you money. Purchasing a replacement furnace is a major decision, which is why we want to ensure your system will meet or exceed all of your needs. We are here to help you along during every step of the process. If you are ready for a furnace replacement or have any questions for the pros at Appalachian Heating, give us a call at 304-707-0600.