New Installation
Plan a new HVAC installation with a property-specific assessment of system size, ductwork, and Komfort needs.
Whether you are adding central HVAC to an older home or installing a system in new construction, equipment needs to suit the property. Correct sizing helps the system regulate temperature and Komfort; square footage alone is not enough to select a system.
An HVAC professional can use plans or room measurements to establish approximate floor area, then consider occupants, windows and doors, climate, sun exposure, and duct placement. Insulation, ceiling height, and existing system conditions can also affect the assessment.
How to determine your home’s square footage
For new construction, an architect or builder can provide plans and total area. For an existing home, room length multiplied by width gives a rough room area; add the rooms together, including finished basements, closets, hallways, and stairs as applicable. This estimate is only one input to a professional load calculation.
How to determine the size air conditioner you need
A rough illustration sometimes used for early planning is 20 BTUs of cooling per square foot; higher ceilings can increase the estimate. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTUs per hour. These figures are not a sizing method: windows, shade, insulation, air leakage, climate, and other factors change the load. Use a professional evaluation to select equipment.
How to determine the size furnace you need
Heating capacity depends on more than floor area. Climate, furnace efficiency, insulation, home age, and window area all matter; a heat pump may also be an option in some homes. Have a qualified professional account for your property and local conditions instead of relying on a climate-zone rule of thumb.
Other considerations with a new HVAC installation
- Duct sizing and supply-air distribution.
- Humidity control, including humidification or dehumidification where appropriate.
- Air filtration and other indoor-air-quality options.
Using a professional for your new HVAC installation
An HVAC professional can assess system sizing and design, ductwork, humidity control, and air-quality options before equipment is selected.