Do you need to decide what heating or air conditioning system size your space needs? Reach out to our Best Virginia HVAC professionals for great advice and service options.
Determining just the right size for your new furnace or air conditioner is not something you want to leave until after you’ve already purchased the new equipment. However, many factors go into this calculation, including your home’s size and layout. So, you’re not alone if entirely unsure and wondering, “How much HVAC do I need for 2,000 square feet?”
As top HVAC professionals in Huntington, WV, with years of experience in getting HVAC sizing calculations right, Best Virginia can help. Below are the main factors contributing to home heating and cooling loads that could change the size of the HVAC you end up installing.
The Importance of Accurate Heater or Air Conditioner Sizing for Huntington, WV Properties
“HVAC size” refers to the heating and cooling capacity of the equipment under ideal conditions.
When replacing an HVAC in Huntington, you might assume that getting a bigger unit is automatically more effective than installing a smaller one. On the other hand, you might think that smaller heating and cooling systems are more cost-effective to install and run. Neither of these two assumptions is accurate – size matters if you want an energy-efficient HVAC unit.
An oversized system will be too powerful to cool or heat your property effectively. You could expect issues like the system frequently turning on and off and causing energy bills to skyrocket without properly cooling your home. Yet, an undersized unit will also increase your energy expenses because it’ll run constantly without ever reaching the thermostat’s desired temperature.
Manual J Load Calculations
A typical error homeowners make when attempting to size their HVAC replacements is following a “Rule of Thumb.” Generic calculations can unintentionally undersize or oversize the heating and cooling equipment. Instead, to determine the appropriate HVAC sizes for properties around Huntington, professionals use the Manual J load calculation method.
So, how much HVAC do I need for 2,000 square feet? Since many factors contribute to proper HVAC sizing, you’ll want an experienced contractor to assess your property’s heating and cooling and find that ideal Manual J number for you. Then, you can choose your unit.
Manual J involves taking multiple measurements of the property. It factors in various attributes, trying to account for the fact that no two homes have identical needs, regardless of whether they have the same square footage or even the same design layout. That’s why two households could need two completely different HVACs despite both being 2,000-square-foot properties.
Factors in Calculating the Heating and Cooling Capacity for 2,000 Sq. Ft. in Huntington
How much HVAC do I need for 2,000 square feet? Gather the following data for an accurate Manual J calculation:
- House square footage
- Ceiling height
- Number and location of windows
- Number and usage of heat-producing appliances like stoves
- Quality of home installation
- Amount of sunlight exposure
- House construction materials
The local climate comes into it, as well.
Other Considerations for Your Home's New Air Conditioning Sizing and Installation
Another factor to consider during AC installation is your equipment’s British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating. BTU ratings or tonnage refer to how much energy an HVAC unit uses to remove heat within one hour. One ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 BTUs.
Ratings go up in 0.5-ton increments, so upgrading an air conditioner for a 2,000-square-foot home might require a 3- or 3.5-ton unit for best results. The BTU requirements per square foot change according to your property’s unique features.
The Best Way To Determine HVAC Tonnage Estimates for a 2,000-square-foot Property
The top way to know how much HVAC your 2,000-square-foot property needs is to contact a knowledgeable HVAC company like Best Virginia.
These professionals know how to take the appropriate measurements. They’ll quickly determine your home’s ideal heating and cooling loads.
Call Best Virginia Today To Start Your Air Conditioner Installation or Replacement in Huntington, WV
The answer to “How much HVAC do I need for 2,000 square feet?” depends on many factors and isn’t always intuitive to pin down. Do you need some expert help with your HVAC sizing calculations? With over 1,300 reviews and five-star ratings, Best Virginia has the expertise necessary to determine air conditioning system sizes, provide the highest-quality professional services, and much more.
Is it expensive to have the AC on all day? Contact us to learn more.
Best Virginia can handle your HVAC installation—call today for a consultation in Huntington, WV!