Tips on Choosing the Right Sized HVAC for your Home

02 Apr Tips on Choosing the Right Sized HVAC for your Home

SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

Year-round comfort in your home depends on the size of your HVAC system and its ability to efficiently heat and cool the air. A system that is too large may quickly heat and cool your home but could cause an increase in humidity levels. Also, a system that is too small could inadequately heat or cool your home, especially in extreme temperature situations. To help you choose the right size HVAC unit for your home, your HVAC specialists in Kingsport at Thompson Electrical Service is sharing a few tips to ensure you are comfortable no matter the weather.

A System That is Too Large

When you install an HVAC system that is too large for your home, you could experience undesired effects such as an increased level of humidity. The humidity is caused by the system satisfying the setting of the thermostat instead of running until the moisture is adequately removed during the cooling process. If the humidity is not controlled by a dehumidifier or other ventilation methods, mold and mildew could form, causing damage to your home and potential health problems. Also, the stress your HVAC system may experience from starting and stopping too many times could shorten the lifespan of your unit and potentially increase your electric bill.

A System That is Too Small

When installing a system that is too small for your home, you could experience inadequate heating and cooling in some areas. For example, a small bathroom could be the warmest or coolest area of your home. Still, the larger main living area could remain mostly unchanged in temperature. If the unit is unable to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home, your HVAC unit could constantly be running, trying to keep up with the demands of the temperature and could result in higher electric bills.

Some Things to Consider

With multiple models available from which to choose, there are a few key pieces that need to be considered when selecting the right HVAC unit for your home.

• The Square Footage of Your Home – You can find the square footage of your home from the floor plan or sales contract. Make sure to include home additions and additional floors in your calculations. Also, you need to deduct the areas that will not be heated or cooled, such as an attic or crawlspace.
• The Type and Size of Your Windows – Large windows can provide plenty of light and beautiful views but could cause complications when heating and cooling your home. When more light enters your home, it could quickly heat up inside, prompting you to turn up the air conditioner. In addition, the type of windows and how much insulation is provided by the windows from the exterior elements can help control the temperature and humidity level of your home.
• The Insulation of Your Home – Older homes could have a lower amount of insulation to help protect the interior from the elements. A home that is not well insulated could cause your HVAC unit to run more often, increasing your electric bill. If you know that your home is not well insulated, informing your Bristol HVAC technician is highly recommended, as it could make a difference in the size of the unit you need for your home.
• The Typical Climate and Weather – Each region of the United States has various climates and weather patterns. To ensure you purchase a unit that should maintain a comfortable living space inside your home, even in the most extreme conditions, the climate in which you live must be considered as it could affect the cycles of your new HVAC unit.

HVAC Technicians in Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City

Finding an HVAC system that is just right for the size of your home is the overall goal for year-round comfort and should help you save money on your electric bill. To ensure that you choose a quality system that will efficiently maintain the comfort of your home, contact your local HVAC technician in Johnson City at Thompson Electrical Service by calling (423) 343-5726 or visiting our website.