Shopping for a significant home component like a furnace or heater can be daunting. With a wide range of models and options on the market, it can be challenging to feel confident that any one option will be the best fit for your heating needs. Luckily, the honest, hard-working professionals here at Blanco AC, Electrical & Plumbing are here and ready with the quality information you need to feel assured you are making the right decision when selecting a heater or furnace.
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a new heater is your size requirements. How much space do you need to heat? Furnaces come in a variety of sizes and it’s important that you choose the correct one for your situation.
What Size Furnace Do I Need?
There are several things to consider and know when asking yourself the question, “What size furnace do I need?”
How Is Furnace “Size” Measured?
Furnace size is determined by how much heat a given furnace can produce in an hour. This property is tracked using a unit of measurement known as BTUs. For general reference, a small furnace would have a BTU rating of about 40,000 while a larger unit may have one of 120,000.
What Are BTUs?
A BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a unit of heat that represents the amount of energy required to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
How To Find The Right Size For You
Square footage is the largest factor in determining the size of furnace that will be required to heat a space. In general, the standard is that you need between 30 and 60 BTUs per square foot to heat a space while being energy efficient. For example, heating a 1500 sq ft. space would require between 45,000 and 90,000 BTU.
In addition to square footage, there are several other factors that need to be considered when determining the size of furnace you need. They include:
- Number of windows and doors
- Amount of sun exposure
- Climate
- Quality of insulation
- Number of exterior walls
- Condition of ductwork
In most cases, determining the specific size of the best furnace for your situation will take the eyes of a trained professional like the ones here at Blanco AC. However, the general guidelines that we’ve provided above should be a good starting point for giving you an idea of what size furnace you’ll require for any given situation.
Find The Right Fit With Blanco!
At Blanco AC, Electrical & Plumbing, we strive to provide the Hill Country with the highest standards in home services. If you’re in the market for a new furnace, you truly can’t go wrong with Blanco AC heater replacement services. Our certified technicians will fully assess your situation and will be able to point you toward the best solutions for your heating needs.
If you need anything, repair, installation, or replacement, don’t hesitate to call us today!