You depend on your central air conditioning and heating system to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Under normal circumstances, that is exactly what it does. There are times, however, when your cooling or heating efficiency may suffer, leaving you wondering if you have the right size system for your home.
One size does not fit all
You might be tempted to think that the heating and cooling system your friend or neighbor raves about is right for you, too. But when it comes to heating and cooling systems, one size does not fit all. The size and condition of your home has a big impact on how easy it is to heat or cool. Unless you live in a housing development where all the homes are the same size and in the same condition, forget using your neighbor’s experience in determining the right size heating and cooling system for you.
Determining the Size of an HVAC System
While there are formulas to follow to get a quick rule of thumb for the size of the HVAC system you need, there are many factors beyond the square footage of your home that must be considered. Consider these factors when deciding whether your current heating and cooling system is the right size for you:
- Geographic Location. The outside temperature is a major factor when considering heating and cooling of your home. Those who live in the south may require a larger cooling system, while heating is the main factor for those who live in the north where temperature drop to subzero levels in winter.
- Age of Your Home. Newer energy efficient homes are easier to heat and cool than older homes and may be able to get by with smaller heating and cooling systems.
- Condition of Your Home. Well insulated houses are easier to heat and cool than those with less insulation. If your home has old windows and doors or lacks insulation in the attic and crawl spaces, it might need a larger heating and cooling system to compensate for the condition of the home.
Getting the Most Out of Your HVAC System
Whether you are dealing with heating or cooling, there are some things you can do to help your existing unit run more efficiently, such as:
- Cleaning or Replacing Filters. Filters become clogged with pet hair and dust easily and compromise the efficiency of your unit. Clean or replace the filters at the beginning of heating and cooling season to make sure your unit gets the air it needs to operate properly.
- Not Closing Vents. Don’t close off vents and registers to seldom used rooms in the home as this affects the balance of air pressure in the duct work and puts more stress on your system. If you must close off heat or cooling to sections of the home, use the damper in the duct work instead to direct the amount of air flow into each branch of the ducts.
- Scheduling Yearly Servicing. A yearly service call to your local HVAC contractor is necessary to keep your unit running smoothly. Cleaning the unit and inspecting it for potential problems gives you peace of mind and often improves the efficiency of the unit.
If you have questions or concerns about your heating and cooling system, or are wondering if your existing unit is the right size for you, call Metro Comfort Systems. We can assist you in determining whether your system needs replaced or if a simple cleaning will do.
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