What Size Should My Replacement Furnace Be?

February 29, 2016

What Size Should My Replacement Furnace Be?

You’ve found yourself the point where it’s time for a furnace replacement or perhaps you see this point approaching quickly, but how do you decide the size of system you’ll need? Choosing the correct size is critical for your system’s efficiency and your home’s comfort. There’s a perfect furnace out there for you and your comfort needs.

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 production will not require it to runas 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 down the road.

On the other hand, a system that is too little will run too long and can’t fully heat your home when the weather gets chilly. An inadequately sized system will have to work harder, your bills will be higher and your comfort will be impacted because of that. It’s very important to talk to a professional that will complete a load calculation and advise you on the best system for your needs.

How is Load Calculation Determined?

A home’s load calculation used to be decided based exclusively on square footage and was often incorrect. Technology and knowledge have made a lot of advances since then. When you’re ready for a replacement furnace, one of the experts from Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning will study your home as a whole and then be able to give an accurate load calculation. Load calculations are composed 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 comprehensive assessment of your needs.

A properly sized and functioning HVAC system will not only keep you more comfortable, it will also save you money. Buying 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 Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning, give us a call at 952-373-0377.