When you need to update your outdated furnace, it’s important to understand one size does not fit all. A system that is not sized properly for your home, will not only affect your comfort, but can lead to shortened life of your furnace, and leave you stuck with higher energy bills.
If you pick a unit oversized for your space, you’ll start to notice short cycles. This means your oversized furnace heated your home too rapidly, turning off before the furnace can reach correct operating temperatures. An undersized or oversized system can lead to decreased lifespan and higher costs.
How can you be sure you know the correct furnace size for your home? Begin with a load calculation from the professionals at Air-Right Energy Design, Inc.. A load calculation takes specifics from your home into account and measures the Btu (a number that indicates the heating capacity of a furnace) needed to heat your space.
Some Things that Influence Furnace Size
- Square Footage—What size is the area your furnace will be heating? A technician will be sure to carefully measure the square footage of your home. Not every inch of your home needs to be accounted for during this process. Usually, it is more useful to account only for the space that needs heating.
- Home Insulation—Insulation works to keep warm air from escaping your home throughout the cold winter months. It also greatly affects energy efficiency and how large of a heating system you’ll need. Let the professionals from Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. take a look at 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 certain type of windows in your home, frame type, glaze type, gas fills/spaces, etc. will play into what heating and cooling needs your home requires.
- Outdoor Climate—Factor in the range of weather you receive in Manassas. You’ll want a furnace that can keep up with the conditions of your environment every year, without overworking itself.
Don’t settle for ‘close enough’ when choosing your new furnace. Let the experts at Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. help you find a unit that will fit your home properly. When you’re ready to start the process, you can reach us at 703-260-1148 or schedule an appointment online. Whether you have additional questions about furnace size or want to chat about options for your space, we’re happy to help you out.