What Size HVAC System Do I Need?

What Size HVAC System If you've ever built a new house or completely replaced an old central heating and air system, you probably learned a little bit about how to pick out a new heat pump and air handling unit. You've probably figured out that a high SEER rating means you spend less to keep your home comfortable and you may know that it's important to make sure all parts of a split system can work together easily. What you might not know is what size HVAC system you need. Don't worry, I'm a psychic. I can tell you exactly what you need.

Let Me Peer Into My Crystal Ball....

I may have been exaggerating slightly about my psychic powers and by "exaggerating slightly" I may have meant "completely lying." Okay, okay, so I don't have psychic powers, but that doesn't mean I don't know what size heat pump and air handling unit you need. I 100% know! Or I would, if we did a Manual J Load Calculation on your home. That's the only sure way to figure out what size HVAC system will work the best.

Why a Manual J?

Too many contractors use 'back of the envelope' calculations to make quick decisions about what size heat pump and air handling unit your home needs. Too many times these calculations are absolutely 100% wrong. That hasty mistake can cost you money and ensure your air comfort blows, but not in a way that moves air more efficiently through your ductwork. You need to use Manual J so you can see the future or your HVAC system.

What Manual J Does

Manual J is powerful though, because it's SCIENCE! A reputable contractor will use a Manual J Load Calculation to determine the proper sized HVAC system for you using metrics like:
  • Seasonal highs and lows in your local area.
  • Insulation level in the walls and ceiling.
  • How new your doors and windows are.
  • The size of the necessary cooling/heating area.
  • Other SCIENCE! things.
A properly completed Manual J Load Calculation can tell you exactly what size HVAC system you need. Trust it, not a guess. Do you need help measuring your home for a new system? Let us know, and we'll help anyway we can.
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