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Dec 15, 2024|HVAC

How Does HVAC System Size Affect Performance and Efficiency?

HVAC Sizing and Energy Consumption in Oregon

When you’re choosing a new HVAC system, size matters. Sizing is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting your HVAC system. An HVAC system that is too small won’t adequately heat or cool your Oregon home or business, and one that is too large will waste energy and money. Here is your guide to HVAC sizing and energy consumption, including proper HVAC sizing importance and the effects of oversized HVAC systems.

Understanding Proper HVAC Sizing Importance

If your HVAC system is too small, it won’t adequately heat or cool your home or business. You’ll notice hot or cold spots throughout, and your system may run constantly trying to meet your heating and cooling needs. This will result in increased wear and tear on your HVAC system, a shorter lifespan, and increased energy bills. If your HVAC system is too large, it may cycle on and off rapidly, resulting in wear and tear and increased energy bills. It’s very important to work with an experienced HVAC technician to evaluate the size of your property, factors that affect its heating and cooling needs, and how to maintain optimal comfort with minimal wasted energy so that you can find the right size HVAC system.

HVAC System Size Affect Performance and Efficiency, Beaverton, OR

Effects of Oversized HVAC Systems

Oversized HVAC systems require excess energy and power to function. If your home or business doesn’t need that much energy, it is wasted. The biggest problems with installing an HVAC system that is too large for your home or business are:

  • Short Cycling – This is when your HVAC system turns on and off frequently to try to quickly reach the desired temperature in your building. This causes increased wear and tear on your system and requires excessive energy usage. It may also result in increased indoor humidity levels.
  • Higher Energy Bills – Because a system that is too large requires higher energy usage, it also causes higher energy bills.
  • Inconsistent Temperatures – Some areas of your home or business may get cold or warm too quickly, while others may have uncomfortable warm spots or cold spots.

Problems With Undersized Systems

An undersized HVAC system can also cause problems. The biggest problems you’ll notice when your HVAC system is too small for your needs are:

  • Won’t Turn Off – The system may run continuously to try to reach the desired temperature in your home or business. This results in higher energy consumption and increased wear and tear on your system.
  • High Energy Bills – Because your system may be running 24/7, your energy bills will increase.
  • More Frequent Repairs – An undersized system will run constantly, which means you’ll need more frequent repairs or replacement parts.
  • Inconsistent Temperatures – You’ll also notice that certain rooms are never heated or cooled sufficiently, and your home or business is uncomfortable.

Factors to Consider When Sizing Your HVAC System

A correctly sized or ‘right-size’ HVAC system will operate optimally. It will correctly balance the heating and cooling needs of your property with minimal energy usage. This means the temperature will be consistent, and your home or business will be more comfortable. The system will use less energy and will experience less wear and tear on its parts, so it will have a longer lifespan. These are the most important factors to consider when sizing your HVAC system:

  • The square footage of your home or business and its layout. Multi-level properties and large properties typically require larger HVAC systems.
  • Your home or business’ insulation. Poor insulation means loss of heated and cooled air to the outside and infiltration of outside air to the inside of your property.
  • The number and size of windows and doors. Windows and doors contribute to drafts, heat loss, and solar heat gain.
  • Your regional climate. Temperature variations will influence the heating and cooling needs of your home and business
  • Your household size or commercial property population. The number of people in your building will affect your HVAC system’s performance and efficiency.
  • The primary use of your property. If you have a lot of electronic equipment or machinery that generates heat, your heating and cooling needs will differ. If you have animals, medical or laboratory equipment, food prep stations, or other special considerations, they will factor into the size of your HVAC system.

Contact Us to Work With a Professional HVAC Company

Working with a professional HVAC company is crucial when designing a new HVAC system for your home or business. At Oregon Heating & Air Conditioning, we have years of experience in residential and commercial HVAC repair and replacement. We can evaluate your system and determine if it would be more cost-effective to repair or replace it. We can also help you upgrade or retrofit your system to be more energy-efficient.

Should you decide to install a new heating and cooling system for your home or business, our experienced HVAC technicians will help you consider all factors when choosing the right size HVAC system. Our goal is to help you find an HVAC system that is within your budget and makes your home or business more comfortable and energy-efficient. Call us now or contact us online to discuss your options for HVAC replacement or new HVAC installation in Beaverton, Portland, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Tigard, Sherwood, Wilsonville, Newberg, Dundee, Yamhill, Carlton, and Forest Grove, OR.

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