A common question we hear a lot from potential customers is ‘how do I determine what size HVAC I need for my home?”. Too small and you’ll have a hard time reaching and controlling ideal temperatures. Too big and you’ll waste a boatload of energy and money.
1. Approximate / Best Estimate Method
This is the lesser accurate method but it’s the one you can do on your own and get a decent approximation. First, find the square footage of your home. This was in the purchase agreement, but is also part of public record and likely listed on real estate aggregators such as RedFin, Zillow, etc. Next, multiply the square footage of your home by 25 to get an estimate of what is called the “base BTU”. Lastly, if your ceilings are over 8ft in height, increase that number by 25% to get the final BTU estimation. This will give you a ballpark idea of what size HVAC you will need.
2. The Professional (More Accurate) ‘Manual J’ Method
A Manual J calculation is the most accurate way to determine the size of HVAC you need. This calculation takes into consideration a myriad of factors including: square footage, ductwork, climate zone, shade and sunlight, style and number of windows, type and amount of insulation, heat-generating appliances and the family size of the home.
This calculation is best performed by a certified professional such as Page Air. Reach out to us today if you have questions about choosing the right HVAC system.