Which furnace is the right size for me?

Feb 23, 2024

Author

Jake Nielson

Manager

When it’s time to upgrade your outdated furnace, it’s important to understand one size does not fit all.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

If you select a unit oversized for your house, you’ll start to run into short cycles. This is because your oversized furnace heated your home too quickly, turning off before the furnace can reach proper operating temperatures. An undersized or oversized system can lead to a decreased life span and bigger expenses.

How can you be sure you know the correct furnace size for your home? Start with a load calculation from the experts at Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning. A load calculation takes specifics from your home into consideration and gauges the Btu (a number that indicates the heating capacity of a furnace) required to heat your space.

Some Items that Influence Furnace Size

  • Square Footage—How large is the area your furnace will be heating? The technician will be sure to carefully measure the square footage of your home. Not every inch of your home needs to be accounted for during this process. Often, it is more valuable to account only for the space that needs heating.

  • Home Insulation—Insulation assists in keeping warm air from leaving your home throughout the cold winter months. It also heavily affects energy efficiency and how large of a heating system will be necessary. Let the team from Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning review the insulation in your walls and attic. They’ll help you find a perfect furnace for your house.

  • Type of Window—Just like your walls, the particular 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—Consider the range of weather you get in Warrenton. You’ll want a furnace that can sustain the conditions of your area every year, without overworking itself.

Don’t settle for ‘close enough’ when choosing your new furnace. Let the experts at Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning help you pick a unit that will fit your home properly. When you’re ready to begin, contact us at 636-456-5041 or arrange an appointment online. Whether you have additional questions about furnace size or want to chat about options for your space, we’re happy to help you out.