When it’s time to update your outdated furnace, it’s important to realize one size does not fit all. A system that is not sized appropriately for your home, will not only affect your comfort but can lead to shortened life of your furnace, and leave you stuck with higher energy bills.

If you choose a system oversized for your space, you’ll start to run into short cycles. The reason is that your oversized furnace heated your home too rapidly, turning off before the furnace can reach the right operating temperatures. An undersized or oversized system can lead to a shortened life span and higher costs.

How can you be certain about the correct furnace size for your home? Start with a load calculation from the professionals at Childress Heating & AC. A load calculation takes particulars from your home into account and identifies the Btu (a number that indicates the heating capacity of a furnace) required to heat your home.

Some Factors that Influence Furnace Size

  • Square Footage—How big is the area your furnace will have to heat up? A technician will be sure to carefully measure the square footage of your home. Not every inch of your home may be accounted for during this process. Often, it is more useful to account only for the space that needs heating.
  • Home Insulation—Insulation assists in keeping warm air from escaping your home through the cold winter months. It also greatly affects energy efficiency and how large of a heating system will be necessary. Let the experts from Childress Heating & AC review the insulation in your walls and attic. They’ll help you choose the ideal furnace for your house.
  • Type of Window—Just like your walls, the specific type of windows in your home, frame type, glaze type, gas fills/spaces, etc. will play into what heating and cooling needs your home requires.
  • Outdoor Climate—Factor in the range of weather you experience in Fredericksburg. You’ll want a furnace that can handle the conditions of your climate every year, without overworking itself.

Don’t settle for ‘close enough’ when choosing your new furnace. Let the experts at Childress Heating & AC help you find a unit that will fit your home properly. When you’re ready to start the process, call us at 540-675-4306 or schedule an appointment online. Whether you have some questions about furnace size or want to discuss options for your space, we’re happy to help you out.