How to Choose the Right HVAC Equipment for Your Home
You wouldn’t put a bus engine in a car.
It might sound like a fun idea, but it does not suit your needs. The same goes for buying an oversized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. You want heating and cooling equipment designed for your specific needs.
At Ben’s Heating, AC and Electrical LLC, we take great care to recommend HVAC equipment that fits your Oregon home like a glove. Let’s learn about the correct way to determine the right-sized furnace for your property.
What Are Heat Load Calculations?
Many contractors, unfortunately, only look at the square footage of a home and recommend HVAC equipment based on that calculation alone. Doing so often results in oversized equipment.
According to ENERGY STAR®, improper installation can reduce your system’s inefficiency by up to 30 percent. You end up paying more in monthly utility bills and risk shortening the service life of your equipment.
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and other industry experts recommend contractors use the Manual J heat load calculation to determine the right HVAC equipment for a home or business.
This methodology also calculates the size of your home—but also considers many other factors, including:
- The climate where you live
- The orientation of your home
- Insulation values
- The number of windows and doors
- Ceiling heights
Many municipalities and utility companies require contractors to use the Manual J process for permit applications and rebates. That’s why you can trust our team at Ben’s Heating, AC and Electrical LLC. to calculate the heating and cooling needs of your home accurately and precisely.
What Are the Benefits of a Heat Load Calculation?
An oversized furnace will cycle too frequently, running up your energy use and bills. It will make more noise and might not reach its equipment life expectancy. An accurate heat load calculation provides you with the following benefits:
- Proper system and duct sizing
- High indoor air quality (IAQ)
- Reduced operating and initial system costs
- Lower humidity levels
- Less dust
- Reduced allergy symptoms
- Increased system efficiency
The most important benefit is your comfort and safety. Purchasing a new heating and cooling system is a significant investment. It pays to protect that investment by working with a company you can trust to do things the right way.
Call Us Today for All Your Heating and Cooling Needs
Whether installing new HVAC equipment or looking for a reliable company to service the current system in your Portland, OR home, you can count on Ben’s Heating, AC and Electrical LLC. Call us today at 971-213-5175 or request service online.