Corpus Christi HVAC Installation

How To Determine the Size Air Conditioner You Need

An air conditioner's size in “tons” refers to its cooling capacity, typically measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. A central air conditioning system needs about 20 BTUs of energy per square foot of living space to adequately cool that space. So, multiplying your home's total square footage by 20 will supply you with the number of BTUs needed to adequately cool your home. 

If your home's ceilings are higher than the typical 8 feet, you'll want to multiply your base BTUs by at least 1.25 or 25%, maybe more. There are many other factors that can adjust the number of total BTUs up or down, but this will give you an approximate number to start. A one-ton AC unit removes 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour, so if you divide your total BTU number by 12,000, you'll know the approximate tonnage unit you'll need for your new AC installation.

How To Determine the Size Furnace You Need

Besides the total square footage of your home, the other factors needed to calculate heating BTUs include which climate zone your home is located in and the furnace's efficiency rating. Again, there are additional considerations, like insulation, the home's age, and the number of windows, which a professional HVAC technician can (and should) factor into their calculations when quoting a new furnace installation.

Where your home is located will impact the size furnace you'll need to install. Naturally, colder climates will put more demands on the furnace than warmer ones. In some warmer climates, you might not need a furnace at all and may be able to control the home's heated temperature with a heat pump instead. 

But, generally speaking, the heat factors for climate zones in the U.S. are as follows:

• Zone 1: 30-35 BTUs per sq. ft 
• Zone 2: 35-40 BTUs per sq. ft 
• Zone 3: 40-45 BTUs per sq. ft 
• Zone 4: 45-50 BTUs per sq. ft 
• Zone 5: 50-60 BTUs per sq. ft 

Corpus Christi is in Climate Zone 2. To find the right size heating system for your Corpus Christi home, you'll want to multiply the total square footage of your home by the high and low BTU ranges listed above (35-40). This will give you a starting range for the total number of BTUs needed to properly heat your home. 

You'll also need to factor in the furnace's efficiency rating, which indicates how effectively the furnace can pump out heat. Furnaces have a BTU input rating and an efficiency rating percentage. This percentage indicates how effectively the furnace can convert the air it takes in into the heat it puts out. Gas furnaces must have a minimum 80% efficiency rating in the U.S. but can go as high as 98% efficiency. Also, keep in mind that a furnace's efficiency will decrease with time and usage, so it's important that a new furnace is regularly maintained to yield the best efficiency over the equipment's lifespan. 

Other Things to Consider When Installing HVAC in Corpus Christi

If this is a brand-new comfort system for a new home or retrofit, you'll have additional things you'll want your system to address. 

Some things to consider include: 

• Ductwork: You can have a properly sized AC unit or furnace, but if the ductwork is too small, your heating and cooling system will have to work very hard to keep your home at its desired temperature. Too big, and the velocity of the air will also be compromised. At South Texas Comfort Control, we will calculate the required duct sizing and how many vents are needed for each room based on its size. 
• Humidity: Humidity control is another consideration that ensures the conditioned air in your home also “feels” comfortable, too. Depending on where you live, you may benefit from adding a humidifier to your HVAC system to control the level of dry air during winter. Others may need a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture which can be a problem in hot, humid climates. Adding these additional components onto your system at the start safeguards your home against potential moisture issues later on.   
• Air Filtration: If you or someone in your family struggles with allergies, you may also consider additional air filtration components that can help clean the air circulating throughout your home. Air purifiers can be equipped with higher MERV 10 to MERV 15 filters or even a HEPA filter for those with severe allergies. Another recommended option is UV lights, which use ultraviolet light to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses in your home and ductwork. 

Why You Should Hire a Professional HVAC Installer

These calculations and considerations are meant to give you an idea of what you need and what to budget for. It takes a professional with decades of experience, like the experts at South Texas Comfort Control, to take into account all the various factors that need to be considered for a new HVAC installation. 

Let our technicians help you determine which system makes the most sense for your home and recommend a properly sized HVAC system that will keep you comfortable in any weather! We are committed to honest service and transparent pricing and can help you find the right solution for your home. 

Upgrading or Replacing Your Existing HVAC System 

If you're experiencing higher than normal energy bills, uneven home temperatures, unusual noises, excessive dust, or if your HVAC system is more than 15 years old, it might be time to replace or upgrade your home's heating and cooling system. There comes a time when it is no longer feasible to keep repairing an old HVAC system, and a replacement or upgrade is necessary. And, while you may have been a homeowner for many years, this might be the first time you're facing this type of project, and you likely have a lot of questions. South Texas Comfort Control can walk you through the process and assist in making the best decision for you and your space. 

Signs You Should Consider Upgrading Your Corpus Christi HVAC System

• Unusual, sustained increases in energy costs 
• Uneven heating or cooling throughout your home
• Loud, strange noises coming from the HVAC system or ductwork
• Unpleasant odors, including the smell of mold 
• Excess dust or worsened allergy symptoms 
• Reduced heating or cooling efficiency 
• Frequent breakdowns and repairs 
• Poor HVAC performance 
• A system that is more than 15 years old 

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an HVAC System in Corpus Christi? 

Your home comfort system is most likely one of the larger investments you'll make for your home. This may prompt you to cut corners and try to save money, however, in this case, don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish! Your home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is very important when it comes to keeping the home comfortable and circulating fresh air. It needs to work every day of the year. While it may be something you don't notice when it's working well, you definitely notice when it's not!

Prices for replacement HVAC systems can vary greatly depending on factors like:

• The system's size
• Accessibility of the old unit
• Transitional sheet metal work needed
• The new unit’s efficiency rating 

Instead of giving a price range that could be wildly off-base, we recommend calling us at (361) 420-3358 to get a free estimate. It's a quick and easy way to know how much you'll need to budget for your replacement system. 

For HVAC replacement projects, in particular, there are often additional costs associated with retrofitting a new system into the old system's footprint, as well as any recommended repairs to your current ductwork and/or exterior envelope to help the system function most efficiently. If your system is undersized or very old, you may want to upgrade your HVAC to get better energy efficiency and overall performance.

Do I Need to Replace the Entire HVAC System?

If it’s only one aspect of your HVAC system that’s on the fritz, you might be tempted to just replace that part. However, even if only one component of your system may need replacing, it’s generally recommended to replace the entire system all at once to maintain maximum efficiency. 

Replacing the entire HVAC system means spending more money upfront, but you will save money in the long run because your entire HVAC unit will be in sync. Having a properly designed and installed heating and air conditioning system will have the biggest impact on reducing your energy costs.

Can I Replace an HVAC System Myself?

Replacing an HVAC system isn't a DIY job; installing it incorrectly can be more costly than the replacement system itself. Instead of attempting to replace your heating and cooling system by yourself, rely on the professional Corpus Christi HVAC installers at South Texas Comfort Control. We'll make sure your HVAC replacement or upgraded system is installed correctly and according to the manufacturer's specifications, perform all necessary tests to ensure the system is functioning properly, go over the proper operation of the new system with you, and answer any questions you might have. 

Once your new system is up and running, you'll want to maintain your investment with regular servicing of the unit to make sure it stays in top condition and works as efficiently as possible. Ask us about our preventive maintenance programs!

For reliable HVAC installation and replacement in Corpus Christi, call the experts at South Texas Comfort Control at (361) 420-3358 or contact us online.