What size furnace do I need?

January 31, 2019

When it’s time to update your outdated furnace, it’s important to realize one size does not fit all. A system that is not sized correctly for your home, will not only impact your comfort, but can mean a shortened life of your furnace, and leave you stuck with higher energy bills.

If you choose a unit oversized for your home, you’ll start to experience short cycles. The reason is that your oversized furnace heated your home too fast, turning off before the furnace can reach proper operating temperatures. An undersized or oversized system can lead to shortened lifespan and cost you more in energy bills.

How can you be sure you know the right furnace size for your home? Begin with a load calculation from the professionals at Clean Air HVAC. A load calculation takes particulars from your home into account and gauges the Btu (a number that indicates the heating capacity of a furnace) needed to heat your house.

Some Items that Influence Furnace Size

  • Square Footage—How large is the area your furnace will be heating? Your 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. Often, it is more valuable to account only for the space that needs heating.
  • Home Insulation—Insulation assists in keeping warm air from filtering out of your home through the cold winter months. It also strongly affects energy efficiency and how large of a heating system you’ll need. Let the team from Clean Air HVAC evaluate the insulation in your walls and attic. They’ll help you choose the perfect furnace for your house.
  • Type of Window— Just like your walls, the specific 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 get in Pacheco. You’ll want a furnace that can handle the conditions of your area every year, without overworking itself.

Don’t settle for ‘close enough’ when selecting your new furnace. Let the professionals at Clean Air HVAC help you find a system that will fit your home properly. When you’re ready to begin, call us at 925-233-6238 or schedule an appointment online. Whether you have some questions about furnace size or want to chat about options for your space, our experts are happy to help you out.