Choosing the right size AC and heating system for your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when installing or replacing a comfort system. Too small, and it will struggle to keep up—running constantly while wearing out faster. Too large, and it will short-cycle, wasting energy and causing uneven temperatures throughout your space.
At Shalom Heating & Air, we use precise calculations and expert evaluations to recommend the ideal system size for your home—not just based on square footage, but on how your home truly performs. We take into account real-world conditions such as insulation quality, sun exposure, and room layout to ensure your system meets your actual heating and cooling demands. Our approach eliminates guesswork and prevents the costly mistakes that come with over- or under-sized equipment. The result is a comfort system that runs efficiently, maintains consistent temperatures, and lasts longer with fewer repairs.
How Is the Proper AC and Heating Size Determined?
Determining the right size AC and heating system involves far more than just measuring your home’s square footage. While the overall size of your house gives us a basic starting point, it’s only one piece of a much larger puzzle. To ensure your comfort system is correctly matched to your home’s real-world heating and cooling demands, our team performs a detailed assessment that takes multiple factors into account. We consider everything from your insulation levels and ceiling height to the orientation of your windows, the layout of your rooms, and even how many people live in the home. Each of these elements plays a role in how heat enters, escapes, and moves throughout your space. By evaluating these variables in combination—not isolation—we can recommend a properly sized system that operates efficiently, distributes air evenly, and keeps your indoor environment consistently comfortable year-round.
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Square Footage: The base size of your home gives us a starting point, but it’s far from the only factor.
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Insulation Levels: Well-insulated homes require less heating and cooling, which may reduce system size needs.
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Window Type and Placement: Sun-facing windows, older glass, and large panes increase heat gain or loss.
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Ceiling Height: Higher ceilings increase volume, which can affect air distribution and system output.
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Ductwork Condition: Existing ductwork may not be designed to handle a new system efficiently.
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Local Climate: Homes in warmer areas require different system specs than those in cooler regions.
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Number of Occupants: More people generate more heat and moisture, which impacts system sizing.
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Room Layout and Airflow: Open floor plans and multi-level homes may need zoning or airflow adjustments.
We use industry-standard Manual J load calculations to factor all of this in, ensuring your new system is perfectly matched to your space and lifestyle.
Why Getting the Right Size System Matters
Installing the wrong size AC and heating system can have serious consequences—not just for your comfort, but for your energy bills, equipment lifespan, and overall indoor air quality. Many homeowners assume that “bigger is better” when it comes to heating and cooling power, but that’s a costly misconception. An oversized system may heat or cool your space too quickly without properly dehumidifying or distributing air, while an undersized system may run constantly without ever reaching the desired temperature. Both scenarios result in wasted energy, increased wear and tear on components, and an overall decline in system performance. Here are some of the most common problems that can occur when your comfort system isn’t properly sized:
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Short Cycling: An oversized system turns on and off too frequently, reducing efficiency and lifespan.
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Uneven Temperatures: A poorly sized unit may overheat or overcool certain areas while missing others.
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High Utility Bills: Systems that are too big or too small often consume more energy than necessary.
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Increased Wear and Tear: Improper sizing causes components to work harder than needed, leading to more repairs.
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Reduced Comfort: You may experience cold spots, hot zones, poor humidity control, or inconsistent airflow.
When properly sized by professionals, your comfort system will deliver reliable temperatures, efficient performance, and longer-lasting results.
Work With a Trusted AC Installer at Shalom Heating & Air
At Shalom Heating & Air, we don’t guess—we calculate. Our licensed professionals perform a full home evaluation to determine the right size system based on your home’s actual thermal performance, not outdated rules of thumb.
From load calculations to product recommendations and expert installation, we make sure your new AC and heating system is a perfect fit. If you’re replacing an older unit or building a new home, give us a call today. One of our experienced installers will help you make an informed decision and get the job done right the first time.
