Why Your Furnace Size Matters and How To Choose the Correct Size

I’m sure you’ve heard the story of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”  It’s a classic.  Goldilocks finds herself in the empty home of the three bears and proceeds to try each of the bears’ porridge-one is too hot, one is too cold, and one is just right.  She also attempts to sleep in their beds (one is too hard, one is too soft, and one is just right) and sit in their chairs-one is too big, one is too small, and one is just right.

Just like for Goldilocks, there is a just right furnace for your home.  Some furnaces are too big and some furnaces are too small, but one has the size that is right.

Size, in fact, is one of the most important elements to consider when choosing the right furnace for your home.  So what makes furnace size so important?  Let’s talk a little bit about some of the problems with too small and too big.

The Problems with a Too Small Furnace

When Goldilocks found the chair that was too small, she tried to sit in it, but it ended up breaking under the weight of her.  When a furnace is too small, it can’t handle the demands of heating a big area.  Like the little chair, it will try, but the extra effort required to deliver warm air throughout the home will not only raise energy bills, it will also wear down the furnace, which can lead to early break down.

The Problems with a Too Big Furnace

A too big furnace can surely handle heating a smaller home, but that doesn’t mean you should choose a furnace that is too big.  This is because a large furnace will cycle on and off so it doesn’t overheat the home.  This constant cycling will also cause wear and tear on the furnace unit.  Plus, a too big unit will be noisy.

How to Choose the Correct Furnace Size

The correct furnace size will depend on a few factors: the size of your home, your home’s geographic location, and how well insulated/sealed the home is.  A trained consultant will be able to work with you to determine what size of furnace you need as well as its efficiency level and speed.

For more information about our residential heating services, contact us at FLAME Heating, Cooling Plumbing, and Electrical!