Pricing a furnace for new installation or replacement can be difficult, since furnaces come in so many different sizes and efficiency ratings. If you’re in a hurry to find a new heating system, you may look for the smallest system, since it costs less to purchase, or you may decide to buy the largest in hopes that it will be most effective. But this can cause major trouble for your system and your heating bills, which is why it’s so important to work with a trained professional.
Problems that Come with an Improperly Sized Furnace
There is only one capacity of system that is the right fit for your home. Even one that is only slightly too big or too small can cause a lot of problems for your home comfort, your bills, and the system. Here are some examples of what can go wrong if a furnace is the wrong size.
- Too Big: The system may short cycle, turning on and off so frequently that it eventually overheats.
- Too Small: The system will do a terrible job at heating your home, but it will run for so long in an attempt to raise the temperature that it may become overworked and raise your bills.
Are You Experiencing Issues with Your Furnace?
If you notice the problems associated with an undersized or oversized system, there could be another internal issue at fault. Schedule heating maintenance each year before the heating system to avoid repair needs and keep your heater in the best shape possible. However, if you seem to need too many repairs for your system early on in its lifespan, or if it never seems to heat your home properly even with routine maintenance, it could be a sign of improper sizing.
Unfortunately, there is no easy fix for a system that is over- or undersized. In most cases, you’ll need to replace the system with one that is carefully sized for your home and family. Be sure you only work with qualified technicians for any future services: contact your local heating technician for more information about sizing and furnace replacement.
ACI Northwest is here to help with your home comfort needs or concerns in the Spokane Valley area. Please do not hesitate to contact us for helpful advice.