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In order to keep your Nacogdoches, Texas, home as comfortable as possible, your HVAC needs to be sized appropriately. The size of your HVAC system affects your home more than many homeowners realize, from interior temperature to energy efficiency. Here are the top three things you need to know about HVAC sizing to get the most out of your system.

Important Terminology

The most important terminology for you to know when it comes to sizing an HVAC is BTU. A BTU is is the amount of energy required to heat or cool a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

HVAC systems are rated in tonnage. So if you have a 3 ton HVAC system, it can cool approximately 36,000 pounds of water by one degree Fahrenheit every hour. Most domestic HVACs are within the 1.5 to 5-ton range in increments of 0.5. A system over 5 is considered commercial and can’t be used in a home, so homes requiring over 5 tons simply have to use a system of smaller units to meet its needs.

Measurement Process

HVAC systems are measured using a series of formulas to calculate the load the HVAC system will be required to handle. To simplify, we’ll take just one room. To get the area of the room, multiply its length in feet by its width. Then you multiply that number by 25 BTU. This gives you the required size of your HVAC system. While it’s easy enough for one room, it gets more complicated for a whole home and many homeowners choose to hire a professional to get an accurate number.

Why Does HVAC Sizing Matter?

Having a correctly sized HVAC unit can make a huge difference in your home. Units that are too small will run continuously, putting extra strain on the mechanics and wasting energy. Units that are too large will end up with shorter cycles. This can lead to poor humidity control and inconsistent temperatures throughout your home.

If you need your home sized for an HVAC system, McWilliams Heating, Cooling and Plumbing can help. Give our experts a call at (877) 936-1974 to learn more today!