Everyone is on the lookout for ways to be more energy efficient. This not only saves you money on utility bills, but will save on emissions and have a positive effect on the environment. Since energy is the backbone of your heating and cooling system, it's essential to focus on a design for your heating project that will provide the most energy savings.
A Poorly Designed System Will Operate Poorly
You might want to upgrade your aging heating system, but remember that if your new system is not sized properly the efficiency will suffer. You'll end up with higher utility bills and higher energy usage, the exact opposite of what you were aiming for.
That's because both an oversized and an undersized heating system will not work well.
Heating appliances (like forced air furnaces) that are too large for the space will operate in sporadic cycles. As your house gets colder, the furnace will kick on and generate heat so quickly that the unit will soon shut off again. This premature shut down will result in a shorter cycle, as the temperature drops, creating an unpredictable pattern of extremes. Powerful, but unsustainable heat followed by drastic drops in the temperature makes for an uncomfortable home.
If your air conditioner is too large the dehumidifying cycles won't be long enough and your home will be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. An oversized unit will cool off the air quickly, which means less of it will pass over the cooling coils within the unit, an action that removes humidity. The right sized air conditioner will keep the cycle steady and allow most of the air to travel over the coils, removing the humidity and creating a healthier atmosphere in your home.
Small is Insufficient
A unit that is too small will not lend enough power to a heating and cooling system, leaving your home uncomfortable and likely burning out or wearing out far too quickly. You will invest much more in repairs and be left with large bills, despite a house that isn't warm or cool enough (depending on the season).
The Same Size May Not Work Either
You might be surprised to hear that replacing the heating system in an older home is more than simply purchasing a model similar to what you have. Older homes were not as air tight as today's construction and as such, the heating systems were purposely oversized. That means your heating contractor cannot just read the size off of your existing unit - they must go through the proper calculations and size the unit specifically to your home.
Make sure you hire a reputable, experienced HVAC contractor to come and inspect your existing system. This is a service you'll need to pay for, but with properly sized heating and cooling units you can look forward to the highest efficiencies and the lowest utility bills. Hire a contractor that is trained and certified to do a thorough examination of your system, as well as knowledgeable about the necessary calculations.
You depend on your heating and cooling system to keep your home comfortable. When a poorly designed system is installed you will certainly feel the difference, as well as notice a difference in your bills and efficiency levels. With a certified HVAC contractor and the proper calculations you can be assured that your heating system upgrade will result in the highest levels of comfort at the lowest costs.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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