What size furnace do I need?

When it’s time to update your outdated furnace, it’s important to know that one size does not fit all. A system that is not sized correctly for your home, will not only hurt your comfort but can result in shortened life of your furnace, and leave you stuck with higher energy bills.

If you choose a unit oversized for your house, you’ll start to run into short cycles. The reason is that your oversized furnace heated your home too fast, turning off before the furnace can reach the right operating temperatures. An undersized or oversized system can lead to a decreased life span and higher costs.

How can you be certain about the correct furnace size for your home? Get started with a load calculation from the professionals at Ilten's. A load calculation takes specifics from your home into account and identifies the Btu (a number that indicates the heating capacity of a furnace) needed to heat your space.

Some Factors that Influence Furnace Size

• Square Footage—How big is the area your furnace will have to heat up? The technician will be sure to carefully measure the square footage of your home. Not every inch of your home needs to be considered during this process. Many times, it is more useful to account only for the space that needs heating.
• Home Insulation—Insulation works to keep warm air from leaving your home through the cold winter months. It also heavily affects energy efficiency and how large of a heating system is required. Let the experts from Ilten's evaluate the insulation in your walls and attic. They’ll help you choose the perfect furnace for your house.
• Type of Window—Just like your walls, the specific type of windows in your home, frame type, glaze type, gas fills/spaces, etc. will play into what heating and cooling needs your home requires.
• Outdoor Climate—Consider the range of weather you get in Cedar Rapids. You’ll want a furnace that can handle the conditions of your area every year, without overworking itself.

Don’t settle for ‘close enough’ when selecting your new furnace. Let the experts at Ilten's help you identify a system that will fit your home properly. When you’re ready to get started, call us at 319-208-2351 or arrange an appointment online. Whether you have a few more questions about furnace size or want to learn more of the options for your space, our team is happy to help you out.