Goldilocks, outside of stories with three bears, is a name that has become synonymous with perfection. Even the earth itself is in a “Goldilocks Zone,” as it’s the perfect distance from the sun to support life. On a similar, albeit smaller scale, your home’s heat pump has to be in its own “Goldilocks Zone” to keep your living spaces as comfortable as possible.
Choosing the right heat pump size is essential for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency in your home. Homeowners seeking heating and air services in Greenville can benefit from consulting a professional. An experienced HVAC contractor in South Carolina can assess your home’s square footage, insulation, and climate to recommend the perfect unit. Proper sizing prevents issues like uneven heating or high energy bills, ensuring your system operates efficiently. Trust local experts to help you select and install the right heat pump, keeping your home comfortable year-round.
Bigger Isn’t Better
If you’re choosing a heater, you might think there’s no real trick to sizing a heat pump. But as it turns out, a heat pump that is too big will cycle on and off constantly. It’s a process known as “short cycling,” and it happens when a system heats or cools the home rapidly, and then shuts itself off.
Oversized systems are bound to short cycle, even with proper maintenance, such as regular air filter replacement and inspections. That, in turn, will lead to higher energy bills, system wear, and an inability to reduce the humidity in your home.
Smaller Is Just as Bad
On the opposite extreme, undersized heat pumps can’t keep up with the square footage they’re attempting to regulate. They can run forever and never achieve your desired temperature. Not only will your home be too cold or too hot, but the system will run itself to death and raise your electricity costs in the process.
Install Heat Pumps That Are “Just Right!”
You need a heat pump installation that’s tailored to your specific space. There are two ways you can calculate the size of the heat pump you need: BTU and tons.
BTU
The rule of thumb with British Thermal Units (BTU) is that 100 square feet require 1,000 BTU to properly control their temperature. Therefore, if you have a 1,000-square-foot room, you would need a 10,000 BTU heat pump.
Tons
Many central air systems measure output in tons. One ton is equal to 12,000 BTU, and it will handle approximately 500 to 750 square feet.
In any case, when purchasing a heat pump, it will typically be rated anywhere from 24,000 to 60,000 BTU, or two to five tons. However, several factors can impact the exact size heat pump you need, such as:
- The climate
- Your home’s insulation and sealing
- Typical amount of sunlight per day
- Window and door leaks or cracks
- Number of occupants
Any of these can drastically change the heating or cooling efficiency of a heat pump, which is why it’s essential to have a professional inspect your home to arrive at the optimal system size.
Additionally, you may also need to consider the unit’s SEER rating, which, while not directly related to system size, affects its energy efficiency and environmental impact.
Turn to the Home Service Nerds to Handle Your Heat Pump Installation
Proper heat pump sizing and installation are essential for long-term reliability and performance. And with the help of the Home Service Nerds, you’ll get the system you deserve. We’ll calculate your necessary heat pump size to ensure you get the perfect one for your home, Goldilocks-approved! Contact us today!
