The average HVAC system has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. When it’s time to replace your old system, many factors go into determining the correct size. A professional HVAC consultant must visit your house and take detailed measurements and assess your particular requirements. The type of house and walls, the type and size of windows, insulation, basement, attic conditions and house orientation will be considered. With your house measurements and assessment, the consultant can perform a performance load calculation to assure proper system size.

An HVAC system that is too large will cool or heat your house quickly, but you may not feel comfortable. That’s because it will satisfy the thermostat before it can adequately remove sufficient moisture from the air during the cooling mode, leaving you feeling sticky and humid. This could even lead to moisture and mold problems. And, the stress of short-cycling (too many starts and stops) will shorten the life of your equipment and increase your heating and cooling bills.

On the other hand, a system that is too small just cannot get the job done, especially in extreme weather conditions. The air conditioner will run constantly in the summer and the furnace will do the same in winter. A correctly sized system isn’t just based on the size of the structure, it is also based on the age and condition of your existing duct work, tubes and boxes supplying air to each room. The age of your house has a major impact on the calculation. If it’s an older home it’s considered “loose”, if it’s a newer home it’s considered “tight” for air leakage. This is because older duct work used tape to seal the duct, now all duct work is sealed with a product called Mastic to ensure no air is escaping.

Today’s HVAC systems are more technical as well as more efficient. Only a licensed HVAC professional can determine the correct size system for your house. Assessment and proper sizing will have a major impact on the longevity and performance of your new system.

Get the peace of mind of knowing you purchased the perfect size HVAC system for your home. Contact NASCAIR to receive the most reliable, thorough, HVAC assessment in the Charlotte and Fort Mill areas. Call us at (803) 802-8884 or email us at contact@nascair.com, we look forward to hearing from you!