Finding a furnace that is just right for your home is more difficult than it seems. You might think that most furnaces operate about the same, but one that is just a tad too small or too large can run into some difficulties. These difficulties might not be noticeable at first, but your heating costs can become increasingly high due to the excessive run times of an over- or undersized furnace, and the system is likely to fail before its usual lifespan.
You should always have a professional install your furnace so that it runs safely and smoothly. But also, a professional with years of experience and ongoing training is best qualified to select the furnace that is the right size for your home. Check out the factors that go into picking the right one.
- Square footage – The size of your home has the most to do with choosing the right furnace. This helps the technician to determine the heating capacity necessary for your home, but they won’t have a precise number until they factor in a few other things.
- Number of rooms and stories – A room with multiple stories is more difficult to heat than a small single-story house, since heat naturally rises. Two homes of the same square footage won’t necessarily need the same size heating system if one has multiple stories or if one has a large number of rooms and vents as opposed to large open rooms.
- Insulation – Insulation blocks the movement of heat to an extent. The more effective your insulation, the less power you’ll need (and the more energy you’ll save).
- Windows – The placement and number of windows has an effect on the amount of radiant heat coming through, and older inefficient windows make it easier for heat to escape.
- Climate – The climate where you live will also have an impact on sizing, as warmer climates might need a less powerful heater.
ACI Northwest is here to help with your home comfort needs or concerns in the Hayden area. Please do not hesitate to contact us for helpful advice.