Some estimates suggest that up to 80% of homes in the United States, built before 2004, are likely to have an oversized heat pump or air conditioner. According to the Department of Energy, an oversized unit may contribute to an increase of up to 13% on your energy bills. Also, oversized units will not create the optimum comfort in your home and may not perform effectively during spells of higher humidity. This compromised performance highlights the importance of properly calculating the load and sizing of your system. If you miscalculate one area during this assessment, your entire system will be compromised.
The System Load:
The load of your home should be calculated using the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) industry standards. The ACCA produced Manual J , to assist in calculations and numerous assessments, measurements and calculations, can be entered into the software program to determine the specific load for your home. The calculation allows provision for room-by-room specifications including ceiling height, square footage, sun orientation, air tightness, insulation values and other building materials used. This precise a calculation can ensure that the exact load requirements are determined to match to a new system. It’s typically best to have a trained professional do this.
Choosing the Right HVAC System:
Once the load of your home has been determined, these figures can be used to choose the right HVAC system to meet your specific needs. Installing the correct size system is vital to ensure optimum efficiency, comfort, and performance. If the unit is too large, your unit will suffer from excess wear and tear, and you will have a larger initial cost. If the unit is too small, the system will struggle to maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature inside your home. A small system will also suffer from stresses that will cause premature component failure and excess noise during operation.
Professionals have access to tools such as the ACCA Manual S software to calculate the correct size of system to suit your home. This will enable the contractor to narrow down the choice of suitable units from the hundreds available on the marketplace.
Evaluation of Ductwork:
Another important aspect of HVAC installation is the ductwork. A professional will be able to evaluate the ductwork to ensure that it is paired with a suitable blower motor. The output of the blower motor and duct sizing is as important as correctly sizing the HVAC system. If the ducts are too large, there will not be sufficient air pressure in the system to deliver the treated air into the living spaces of your home. If the ducts are too small, the heating and cooling efficiency of the system will be hindered, and there will be excess noise during operation.
A pro will also ensure that your ducts are properly sealed with mastic, foil backed tape and screws for a tight seal. They will also determine the most effective and efficient layout to try to minimize placing ducts in unconditioned spaces such as basements or attics.
Although you may be tempted to try to save a few dollars by performing your own HVAC calculations, you are likely to find that it will cost you more in the long run. A pro will be able to ensure that your new system is perfectly suited to the specific requirements of your Los Angeles or San Fernando Valley home. This will keep your living space completely comfortable while optimizing energy efficiency.