What Furnace Size Do I Need in Minneapolis?

Is it time for a new furnace? Whether replacing an old unit or installing one for the first time, it's important to choose carefully. If your furnace is too large, you'll consume more energy than necessary. If it's too small, your comfort needs won't be fulfilled.

In this blog, we'll answer the question "What furnace size do I need?" and cover everything you need to know about furnaces in Minneapolis, including:

Keep reading to learn more. By the end, you’ll be empowered to make the right furnace selection for your home’s needs and budget.

The first factor to consider when determining the right furnace size is your home's size. It's important to note that furnace size refers to the amount of BTUs (British Thermal Units). BTUs are used to measure appliances' (such as furnaces) heating or cooling capacity. Generally, you want around 20 BTU for every square foot of your home. So, if you have 1,000 square feet, the furnace should be at least 20,000 BTU.

Of course, this is just a general approximation. For a more precise calculation, you must consider the home's heating load or the amount of heat energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. To determine this, many HVAC technicians use the Manual J calculation method. This calculation takes into account the following factors:

• Your home's insulation
• Number of entry points (i.e., windows and doors)
• Your area's climate
• Your building's orientation (i.e., exposure to the sun)
• Air infiltration risks (i.e., cracks and gaps)
• Number of occupants

By making precise calculations, you can lower the risk of getting a furnace that's too large for your home. Oversized furnaces are linked to the following issues:

• Short-cycling
• Uneven heating
• Long-term damage
• Poor air quality
• High energy costs

When a furnace is too big, it tends to reach the desired temperature faster than usual. Once it reaches this temperature, it turns off. Then, it turns on again as needed.

This process of frequently cycling on and off, known as short cycling, can cause uneven heating and even damage the furnace. Not to mention, short cycling prevents the furnace from properly filtering air, leading to increased contaminants. Over time, this constant cycling process boosts your energy costs.

While you want to avoid oversized furnaces, you also don't want to end up with an undersized one. A furnace that's too small will result in the following problems:

• Poor heating
• Furnace damage
• Lower energy-efficiency

If a furnace isn't large enough, it won't be able to fulfill your heating needs. To try and reach your desired temperature, the furnace will overwork itself, resulting in long-term damage. This extra work also reduces energy efficiency, leading to higher energy bills.

At MSP Plumbing Heating Air, our technicians are highly experienced in calculating furnace size. After considering all your unique needs, we can make an expert recommendation. Contact us today for a free in-home estimate.

Having the right-sized furnace helps ensure you don't waste energy, but its efficiency rating will also play a role.

Furnaces are rated by the “Average Fuel Utilization Efficiency” or AFUE rating. Labeled as a percentage, the rating represents how much fuel the furnace converts into heat. For example, if your furnace has a 95% AFUE rating then 95% of its fuel is turned to heat, while the remaining 5% gets lost during the combustion process. The higher the rating is, the more energy-efficient the device will be.

By correctly sizing a furnace based on the heating requirements of a space and then selecting a furnace with a high AFUE rating, Minnesota homeowners can ensure optimal efficiency and comfort while minimizing energy waste and operating costs.

Before buying a new furnace, you must ensure it's compatible with your current ductwork. To do this, consider the ductwork’s size, condition, and insulation levels. Ask questions like:

• Is your ductwork large enough to accommodate the furnace?
• Is it in good condition, or does it have leaks and cracks?
• Is it insulated to minimize heat loss?

These are just a few of the questions you'll need to ask. For the best results, it's advisable to have HVAC professionals examine your ductwork first. After performing an evaluation, they’ll determine whether you need to make any modifications.