Heating and cooling systems are essential for keeping home occupants comfortable year-round. However, many people don't know how to size their HVAC system for the needs of their home, resulting in oversized units that cost more to run. There are a few easy ways to determine what size and type of HVAC you require.
1. Calculate the Base BTUs
To find the base British thermal units required to heat and cool your home, first find your home's total square footage. You should include all stories and additions in the footage, but leave out any areas that will not be heated or cooled. Multiply your square footage by 25 and the result is the base BTUs you'll need. However, you must also account for unusually high ceilings and how many people are usually in the house. Although this method is still imprecise, it will give you a better idea of what size your HVAC system should be.
2. Look at Your Options
With the HVAC size taken care of, it's time to take a look at your options for different types of systems that you can choose from. Homeowners can install a single-stage system, which is set to provide comfort even in extreme temperatures. However, this option runs at full capacity a majority of the time, even when it doesn't need to.
A multi-stage system may be handier for homeowners, as it can save energy and money. This option has a high and low setting, keeping the temperature from varying as much as a single-stage option. The multi-stage HVAC also keeps the heat from dropping too far below the desired point, ensuring total comfort.
Having the right size and type of HVAC system is critical to keeping a home in optimal performance and its occupants comfortable. By calculating your BTUs and looking at your different options, you'll be able to choose the system that's right for your home's needs.