Why Choosing the Right Size Heat Pump Matters

small living room with brown couch

Heat pumps are an incredibly efficient, all-in-one heating and cooling system. What size and capacity of a heat pump is right for your home? Let’s figure it out! 

Too Big? Too Small?

Size matters. Unless you like paying more for your utilities and extra repair fees, you want to select a unit that fits just right. If it’s too small, it’ll work twice as hard to meet thermostat demands, waste energy, and may even break down, requiring repairs sooner. If it’s too large, excess energy produced means wasted resources. And that’s not all. Other issues may include:

  • Increased on-off cycling, which can stress and blow the motor
  • Drastic temperature changes
  • Lack of humidity control
  • Possible short-cycling

What’s the right size?

The HVAC industry has a standard-sizing method. It’s a procedure that takes your technician room by room to determine how much each area needs for heating and cooling. Several factors help to establish the correct size heat pump:

  • Local climate
  • Days active heating or cooling is needed
  • A home’s layout, shape, and square footage
  • Number of windows and their location
  • Proper air filtration
  • The presence of energy-efficient insulation
  • Number of residents
  • Resident’s temperature preference
  • Other heat-generating appliances

What’s Right for My Home? 

You need one ton of air conditioning capacity for every 500–600 square feet of conditioned floor area. BTU (or British Thermal Unit) determines the size of most heat pumps. So, keep in mind that 12.000 BTU equals 1 ton. Thankfully, you leave the calculator and measuring tape on your desk. Holtzlople’s Heating & Air Conditioning experts have you covered! 

Other Considerations

Once the heat pump size is determined, there are a few other things to keep in mind before you make the purchase. It’s a significant investment, yet an important one to keep your home comfortable. What else should you keep in mind? 

  • Upfront costs may be higher, yet monthly savings are easy on your budget in the long run.
  • Ask about the energy efficiency ratings. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit.
  • What is the blower motor type? Is it fixed, multi-speed, or variable? The choice will affect how efficiently your unit works.
  • Is your compressor single-stage or two-stage? Single only heats or cools at full blast. The other provides two different levels. 

Choosing the right size pump for your property is critical to the comfort of your home and pocketbook. If you’re curious about the efficiency of your current HVAC system or it’s been a while since you’ve had it serviced, check out our current specials and the benefits when you join Holtzlople’s Comfort Club. Members get annual preventive maintenance services, discounted parts, and labor on necessary repairs. Our Comfort Club members also receive priority emergency services when the unexpected happens, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.