Why Do I Need a Good Heat Load Calculation for My HVAC Equipment?

House in gloved hands during winter. Person considering heat load calculation for HVAC equipment. Reliant Heating & Cooling blog image.

You wouldn’t put a bus engine in a car.

It might sound like fun, but it does not suit your needs. The same goes for buying an oversized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. You want heating and cooling equipment designed for your specific needs.

At Reliant Heating & Cooling, we take great care to recommend HVAC equipment that fits your Pennsylvania home. Let’s learn about the correct way to determine the right-sized furnace for your property.

What Are Heat Load Calculations?

Many contractors, unfortunately, only look at the square footage of a home and recommend HVAC equipment based on that calculation alone. Doing so often results in oversized equipment.

According to ENERGY STAR®, improper installation can reduce your system’s inefficiency by up to 30 percent. You end up paying more in monthly utility bills and risk shortening the service life of your equipment.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and other industry experts recommend contractors use the Manual J heat load calculation to determine the right HVAC equipment for a home or business.

This methodology also calculates the size of your home—but also considers many other factors, including:

  • The climate where you live
  • The orientation of your home
  • Insulation values
  • The number of windows and doors
  • Ceiling heights

Many municipalities and utility companies require contractors to use the Manual J process for permit applications and rebates. That’s why you can trust our team at Reliant Heating & Cooling to calculate the heating and cooling needs of your home accurately and precisely.

What Are the Benefits of a Heat Load Calculation?

An oversized furnace will cycle too frequently, running up your energy use and bills. It will make more noise and might not reach its equipment life expectancy. An accurate heat load calculation provides you with the following benefits:

  • Proper system and duct sizing
  • High indoor air quality (IAQ)
  • Reduced operating and initial system costs
  • Lower humidity levels
  • Less dust
  • Reduced allergy symptoms
  • Increased system efficiency

The most important benefit is your comfort and safety. Purchasing a new heating and cooling system is a significant investment. It pays to protect that investment by working with a company you can trust to do things the right way.

Call Us Today for All Your Heating and Cooling Needs

Whether installing new HVAC equipment or looking for a reliable company to service the current system in your Manheim, PA home, you can count on Reliant Heating & Cooling. Call us today at 717-430-0900 or request service online.

Need HVAC Service?

Contact the experts at Reliant Heating & Cooling.

Call us at 717-430-0900!