If you’ve had many repairs on your HVAC unit, there may come a point where it’s not possible or not worth it to get it repaired again. It happens. You need a new HVAC system, so you start comparison shopping for the best unit for your home. You probably run into a problem pretty quickly. You need to know what BTU and tons you need.
You can get a ballpark idea from the square footage of your home, but to make your purchase, you need to know your Manual J, the convergence of the following factors:
- the cubic feet of your home,
- your climate zone,
- ductwork,
- the number and style of windows,
- whether your home has sunlight or natural shade,
- the quality and amount of your insulation,
- how many people use the space,
- the heat-generating appliances.
If that sounds tough to figure out, no worries. A Denver heating and air conditioning company can provide consultations and energy audits and can advise you on solutions. You don’t have to do it alone if you feel that hiring a professional to help you make the right decision is necessary.
You can use an online calculator to determine an estimate so you can begin comparison shopping, but you will need a formal Manual J to determine which HVAC will best suit your home.
Why Cubic Feet?
Many people ask this. Cubic feet take into account the height of the room as well as the square footage. You need an HVAC system that heats all of the rooms, so the six feet tall adults stay as warm or cool as the four feet tall or shorter children. The HVAC unit must capably heat and cool all of the room. Cubic feet account for that.
How the Other Factors Affect Things
Heat generating appliances raise the temperature in part of your home. Sunlight might warm another portion, but you may have old, drafty ductwork plus not enough insulation. That could balance out, or it could mean you need more insulation installed and a higher BTU HVAC. A home with many older windows tends to have drafts and loose heat. Those with new, low E windows enhance energy efficiency. Your climate zone describes the typical seasonal temperatures and provides an estimate of how many warm days and chilly days for which you will need to cool or heat the home. People generate body heat. People also like to set different temperatures for their room. Taking all of these things into account lets us calculate the right BTU for you so you can choose the right HVAC system to heat and cool your home.
