If you’re a homeowner, you know that many important decisions need to be made to keep your home comfortable and running smoothly. One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is choosing the right size furnace for your home. But do you know how to size a furnace?
Sizing a furnace is essential in choosing the right one for your home. The size of the furnace will determine how much heat it produces and how efficiently it will operate. Consider a few factors when sizing a furnace, such as the square footage of your home, the climate you live in, and your insulation. This blog post will walk you through how to size a furnace for your home.
Furnace Size Matters
The size of your furnace directly impacts your utility bills and your comfort level. If you have a small furnace, it will have to work overtime to heat your home, which will lead to higher utility bills. Not only that, but your home will likely never feel genuinely comfortable because the furnace will never be able to reach and maintain the ideal temperature.
On the other hand, if you have a too large furnace, it will cycle on and off frequently, which is also hard on your utility bills and can shorten the lifespan of your furnace. In addition, large furnaces can cause drafts throughout your home as they cycle on and off. The bottom line is that choosing the right size furnace is essential to keep your utility bills low and your home comfortable.
What is Furnace BTU?
When one pound of water has to be heated by one degree Fahrenheit, the quantity of heat required is measured in BTUs. When applied to furnaces, BTUs measure the heat the furnace can generate in an hour. The watt is the current power measurement for HVAC systems. A 1000 BTU/h is equivalent to 293.1 W.
The higher the furnace’s BTU rating, the more heat it can generate in an hour. It is essential because it will determine how quickly and effectively the furnace can heat your home. For example, a furnace with a low BTU rating may take longer to heat your home than a high BTU rating. When choosing a furnace, it’s crucial to select one with a BTU rating appropriate for the size of your home and the climate you live in.
Depending on your temperature zone, the typical BTU per square foot heating general rule ranges from 30 – 60 BTU. The size parameters are discussed here to assist you in sizing a new furnace for a house because there is a big difference between the two furnaces, with one being twice as powerful as the other.
How to Size a Furnace
When sizing a furnace, you need to consider a few factors, such as the square footage of your home, the climate you live in, and your insulation.
Measure the square footage of your home
To do this, measure the length and width of each room in your home and multiply those numbers. Once you know how many square feet each room is, add them all up to find your home’s overall square footage.
For example, if your home has a living room that’s 20 feet by 20 feet and a kitchen that’s 10 feet by 10 feet, the total square footage of your home would be 400 square feet.
Determine the climate you live in
The climate you live in will affect how much heat your furnace needs to generate. You won’t require as much heat if you reside in a moderate environment as opposed to someone who does.
Consider your insulation
If your home is well-insulated, you won’t need as much heat to maintain a comfortable temperature. On the other hand, if your home is not well-insulated, you’ll need more heat to maintain a comfortable temperature.
An excellent way to tell if your home is well-insulated is to check your utility bills. If your utility bills are high, likely, your home is not well-insulated, and you’ll need a furnace with a higher BTU rating.
Expert Furnace Sizing
When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a professional. An expert can help you determine the correct size furnace for your home and climate.
If you’re in the market for a new furnace, the experts at HVAC.com can help. We offer a wide selection of furnaces from top brands, so you’re sure to find one that’s right for your home.
Conclusion
Sizing a furnace is essential in choosing the right one for your home because it determines how much heat it produces and how efficiently it will operate. When sizing a furnace, consider the square footage of your home, the climate you live in, and your insulation. If you’re still unsure, which size furnace is right for your home, consult a professional.
