When it comes to selecting the right size HVAC system for your home, there are a few factors to take into account. The total square footage of your home, including all floors and ceilings, is the primary factor in determining the size and capacity of the HVAC unit you need. For every 500 BTU your home needs, you'll need approximately one ton of air conditioning or heating capacity (1 ton equivalent to 12,000 BTU). Each degree above or below the desired temperature requires another 500 BTU to increase or decrease.
To accurately estimate what size of HVAC unit you need, you must first calculate the square footage of the area you want to heat and cool. If your current air conditioning system is larger than necessary, the size of the system you should install will be the one recommended by the manufacturer of the current unit. A house with adequate insulation prevents hot or conditioned air from escaping to the outside and needs a less powerful heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. For average-sized homes between 1,500 and 3,000 square feet, the size of the HVAC system you should buy is what's called a three-ton unit. Choosing the right size equipment, a process known as “sizing the air conditioning system”, is critical to indoor comfort, including temperature balance and year-round humidity control.
The average life expectancy of an air conditioning system is between 15 and 25 years, but it is possible to extend the lifespan by 5 years or more if you keep the system on a regular schedule and perform minor repairs as needed. When it comes to buying what size air conditioning unit you should buy, what matters most is the size of the house you have and what temperature range you want to maintain at all times. For example, if the desired temperature is set at 71 degrees and what size of HVAC unit you should have for your home, then the size of the HVAC system your home requires for that temperature range is 6,000 BTU. If you can't identify what your current air conditioning system is, here are some general guidelines on what size unit is most commonly used for each type of heating or cooling. When selecting an HVAC system for your home, it's important to consider all factors that may affect its performance. The total square footage of your home is a key factor in determining what size HVAC unit you need. Additionally, insulation levels and desired temperature range should be taken into account when making your decision.
It's also important to remember that each degree above or below your desired temperature requires an additional 500 BTU. Finally, if you can't identify what your current air conditioning system is, there are general guidelines on what size unit is most commonly used for each type of heating or cooling.
