by Cooper Climate Control
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Upgrading to a new furnace is an exciting investment. You’ll be saving money in both the short-term and over the long run, as well as reducing your impact on the planet, and enhancing your comfort. However, just because your furnace is new doesn’t mean you will see peak performance automatically. You must ensure that your new unit is the correct size for your environment.
Each home has different comfort needs, which means that each needs a differently sized heating system. Your furnace should fit your house like a glove. What determines how big or small your system should be? That would be your heating load.
What Is Heating Load?
Your heating load is the amount of heat that the unit must be able to provide to maintain your preferred comfort levels. So what determines your heating load? A large number of factors, such as:
- The size of your house
- The direction to which your home is oriented geographically
- The efficiency of your windows
- The amount of energy that is lost through your ductwork
- Whether or not you have adequate insulation in your attic and walls
- The number of people living in your home
Even the number of lights you have and the kinds of bulbs that you use can influence your heating load.
Calculating The Right Size For Your Home
Your HVAC contractor should assess every room, to help you determine each room’s specific needs and your home’s overall energy necessities. Your HVAC professional may use Manual J, which lays out the guidelines for properly calculating heating and cooling loads. These guidelines are far from arbitrary. They’ve been formulated after years of research by scientists and industry professionals. Sizing new comfort equipment based on rule of thumb is never a good idea.
Before You Buy
It may be a good idea to improve your home’s efficiency before installing a new furnace. Think about it this way: energy loss is heat loss, and heat loss equates to a larger heating load, which typically requires a larger furnace. Consider tackling some of the following home-improvement projects, or hiring a contractor to do it for you:
- Adding insulation in your attic
- Sealing and insulating your ductwork
- Sealing and insulating your crawlspace
If you’re upgrading your heating equipment, call Cooper Climate Control Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re proud to keep homeowners comfortable throughout the Valley.
