What Size or Capacity System do I Need to Properly Cool my Home?

In Florida, having a properly functioning HVAC system isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Floridians experience warm weather for most of the year, with summertime temperatures reaching into the 100’s. When you’re installing or upgrading your home’s HVAC system, it might seem better to purchase a unit that has more power than you really need. In fact, installing an HVAC unit that’s too large, or too small, can result in extreme consequences. It’s important that your system is a perfect match for the size of your home to avoid any issues.

If you’re wondering what size HVAC system your space requires, here’s what you need to know:

Size Per Square Foot

HVAC systems come in a wide range of sizes. The main factor in determining the size that’s right for you is the square footage of your home. The average 2,000 square foot home usually needs a 3-ton unit. Obviously if your home is larger or smaller than 2,000 square feet, the size you need will be different. A 3,000 square foot home will need about a 5-ton unit, but a 1,000 home will likely only need a 2-ton unit. If you have a very large home, multiple units will be required to effectively heat and cool the entire space.

If you’re adding on a room addition, don’t forget to upgrade your HVAC system accordingly. This extra square footage can put a major strain on your existing system. The result could be that your home doesn’t get cool enough or the unit can fail altogether from being overworked.

Other Factors

Square footage may be the main factor, but isn’t the only factor that determines the size of an HVAC unit. Things like your home’s insulation, windows and its physical location all play a role.

Some homes aren’t insulated properly, which lets cold air escape in summer and warm air escape in winter. Windows can have the same effect. If a home’s windows are older, they can let air pass through the cracks. Installing updated windows can help minimize air loss and allow for a more accurate determination of HVAC unit sizing.

Latitudinal location and positioning in relation to the sun also affect the size an HVAC unit needs to be. The closer to the equator you are, the warmer temperatures you will experience. This means you may need a slightly larger unit to keep you cool all year. Additionally, if you have large windows that directly face the sunrise or sunset, it may take more power to keep your home cool.

The best way to know what size HVAC unit you need is to consult with the professionals. The team at Charlie’s Tropic Heating and Air Conditioning will take all these factors into consideration when recommending a new system. For more information, contact our experts today at 904-867-8480.

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