What Size HVAC Unit Do I Need? A Homeowner’s Guide

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable year-round, choosing the right size HVAC unit is just as important as choosing the right brand or model. An HVAC system that’s too small will struggle to keep up, while one that’s too large will cycle on and off too quickly, leading to higher bills and wear and tear. In fact in 2024 a study found that 96% of homeowners consider HVAC to be an important thing and the right size HVAC is a big part of that.

So how do you know what size HVAC unit you actually need? We’ll show how to find it.

Why HVAC Unit Size Matters For Homeowners

Your house isn’t the same as every house which is why your HVAC unit shouldn’t be. The size of your heating and cooling system can make or break how comfortable your home feels. A system that’s too small will run constantly and still struggle to keep up (and also run your bill up), while a unit that’s too large will short-cycle, turn on and off more than it should, leading also to higher energy bills and unnecessary wear and tear.

Here’s the main reasons why getting the right size is critical:

• Right amount of comfort, the proper size unit distributes air evenly which keeps your home at a consistent temperature.
• Energy efficient and money saving, by heating evenly it means your unit is working not too much or not too little but running smooth. That helps keep your energy bill low since your unit isn’t trying to keep up or turn off too often which means your bills are lower.
• Longer system lifespan, constant turning on and off or overworking can cause units to have shorter lifespans. If your unit is working properly it will have a long and healthy lifespan with little problems or repairs needed.
• Better humidity control, a proper sized unit will pull excess moisture and prevent humidity problems in your home (like mold or sticky air).

It’s important to get your HVAC system size correct to get the most out of your system. Luckily if you’re working with an expert HVAC company (like us at Heart of Ohio HVAC) then they will help you get the sizing you need.

Common HVAC System Sizes and How They’re Measured

HVAC units are typically measured in tons (by cooling capacity). The industry jargon is one ton = 12,000 BTUs (or British Thermal Units). Residential units are commonly between 1.5 tons and 5 tons.

A 2 ton system is farly common in 1,000 to 1,200 square feet homes. 3 tons covers between 1,500 and 1,800 sq. feet. 4-ton system will cover up to 2,200 sq. feet.

These are rough estimates and can change based on other factors but your HVAC expert should help direct you to the size that you need. You’ll want to get as close to possible to the sq. footage that you need to cover. Going over won’t save you money and might actually cost you more in the long run so not too big, not too little, but just the right size is the best choice.

Factors To Consider For Sizing

We mentioned that other factors can impact the HVAC unit size you might need. Other than square footage here are the other factors:

• Climate – hotter climates typically need more cooling
• Insulation – if your home is well insulated, you may be able to use a smaller unit and get the same heating and cooling effect (since insulation will hold the temperature better)
• Windows – if you have far more windows than average, your home might gain heat quicker and need more cooling
• Ceiling/room height – if your rooms are teller, you may need more cooling and heating power to fill up the air volume
• Sun exposure – if your home is shadier than normal or gets more sun, you may need a smaller or bigger unit to combat that lack of sun or heat exposure
• Home layout – open floor plans are easier to control the temperature in but if its more closed off you may have to consider heating and cooling more separate rooms

These are things our expert techs always take into account when recommending sizing. It’s important you at least keep these factors in the back of your mind when considering sizing your unit properly since they do affect the heating and cooling you might (or might not) need.

A Proper HVAC Sizing Estimate

If we’re just considering home averages, a proper example would be 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot of living space.

Which would look like 2,000 square feet * 20 BTUs = 40,000 BTUs. Divide that by 12,000 since 1 ton = 12,000 BTUs and you’ve got 3.3 tons of cooling. So a 3.5 unit would be the closest unit size and the most appropriate unit to go with.

This is just a theoretical starter example and you’ll want to rely on your liscenced HVAC professional to help you out with your own calculations as well as other factors to consider. Still a great place to start when considering your unit size.

Why You’ll Want Professional HVAC Sizing Help

While online claulators are a good place to start, you’ll want to rely on an HVAC technician to help lead your decisions. The main reason why is you want to properly measure and calculate everything involved in your sizing process.

From actual square footage size, additional factors involved, and finding the right system (brand included) for your home is a process that is somewhat permanent. So you’ll want to be confident in your decision making.

If you’re working with the right professional, they’ll walk you through every step of the process to help find the right unit for you that you can feel great about. Thats what we at Heart of Ohio HVAC do for every one of our clients that need sizing help.

Need HVAC Sizing Help in Ohio? We’ve Got You Covered

Bottom line is you want be confident in your decision for a proper sized HVAC unit which should be led by your lisenced HVAC tech/company. If you’re looking for HVAC sizing help in Ohio we’ve got you covered.

Our team is experts at helping clients through every step of the process and running professional load calculations to pair you with the perfect HVAC unit.

Call us at Heart of Ohio HVAC today for professonal HVAC sizing and unit installation.