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The Importance of a Properly Sized HVAC System: Finding the Goldilocks Zone

By Aztil –

Proper sizing is the most important part of any new HVAC installation. Whether you’re replacing your air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump, you must ensure it has the right capacity for its intended service area. This is key to avoiding hot and cold spots and abnormally high energy bills. Oversized and undersized appliances can’t work efficiently. They also experience countless performance problems, including short cycling, icing, overheating, and diminished humidity control. The first step when selecting a new HVAC system is to schedule a professional consultation. Our technicians can assess your home and household to find a properly sized HVAC system.

The Goldilocks Zone: Getting HVAC Sizing “Just Right”

The Goldilocks Principle states that if HVAC systems are not sized correctly, they can be too hot or cold. In the Goldilocks zone, the sizing for HVAC systems is “just right” and homeowners can expect even and consistent performance throughout their service lives.

Oversized Systems: What Happens When HVAC Equipment Is Too Large

HVAC sizing denotes the heating or cooling capacity of heaters, heat pumps, and air conditioners. If you choose a model that’s too large for your home, it will run short and intense heating and cooling cycles that use a lot of energy and cause accelerated HVAC wear. This is called short cycling, and with these short blasts of heated or cooled air, your living space will never be truly comfortable. Installing overly large units can also result in the frequent need for costly HVAC repairs and shorter equipment lifespans.

Undersized Systems: The Drawbacks of Installing Units That Are Too Small

Undersized HVAC equipment lacks the capacity to adequately heat or cool homes. Since it isn’t powerful enough to create the temperatures that residents want, undersized HVAC equipment often runs non-stop. This in turn leads to higher-than-normal energy use and faster-than-normal wear. Heat pumps, air conditioners, and condensing furnaces also impact an HVAC system’s ability to regulate humidity.

If your HVAC equipment is too small, your home could feel muggy or clammy. If your indoor humidity grows too high, you may even deal with problems like mold, mildew, and pervasive, funky odors.

Although smaller units tend to be cheaper upfront, they can cost a veritable fortune to use over time when they aren’t right for their service areas. In addition to higher energy bills, frequent repairs, and all-around uncomfortable living conditions, you’ll likely have to replace an undersized HVAC system much sooner than expected.

HVAC Systems in the Goldilocks Zone

Properly sized HVAC systems offer even and efficient heating and cooling and reliable humidity control. They sustain less wear, need fewer repairs, and enjoy longer lifespans.

The Benefits of a Properly Sized HVAC System

Correct HVAC sizing offers a wealth of impressive benefits, including:

  • Enhanced Comfort: With professional HVAC sizing, you can expect even air pressure, consistent air delivery, and uniform temperatures throughout all building areas. Proper HVAC sizing prevents hot and cold spots.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: HVAC systems in the Goldilocks Zone cost less than oversized and undersized units. With fewer and more effective heating and cooling cycles, your HVAC system will use less energy. In addition to smaller, monthly energy bills, you can also enjoy a smaller carbon footprint.
  • Greater Longevity: Modern furnaces, heat pumps, and ACs can last up to 20 years. However, this is only true with correct HVAC sizing.
  • Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Better humidity regulation from heat pumps, ACs, and condensing furnaces will stave off problems like mold and mildew. Balanced air pressure will optimize the performance of your HVAC air filter so that it extracts more dust, dander, pollen, pet hair, and other airborne particulates.

How to Find HVAC Equipment in the Goldilocks Zone

So, what’s the best way to determine the right HVAC size? Consider the following:

Professional Load Calculation With the Manual J

HVAC professionals calculate the air pressure required to distribute heated or cooled air throughout homes. They use the Manual J Load calculation. This accounts for:

  • Air duct sizes, materials, and design
  • Window sizes, types, and locations
  • The number of household residents
  • Insulation types and amounts
  • The layout of the buildings
  • The square footage of living areas

If you’re tempted to shop for a heat pump or AC on your own using the total square footage of your home as your sizing guide, you risk getting equipment that’s far too large or too small for your needs.

SEER and AFUE Ratings: Your Guides for Efficiency

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings are also helpful when choosing high-performing HVAC equipment. A SEER rating denotes how well an HVAC system converts energy into cooled air. Shopping for an air conditioner with a high SEER rating will limit your energy spending over the next decade. When searching for a new heater, you want a furnace with a high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating.

Don’t Rely on Your Old System for Sizing Information

You might think that matching the size/capacity of your old HVAC equipment is a sure way to reach the Goldilocks zone. However, there’s a good chance that your current equipment wasn’t sized correctly or that your heating and cooling needs have changed. Finishing your attic or basement, adding to the building, or completing other major renovation projects can have a significant impact on your capacity requirements. The best way to ensure proper sizing for any new HVAC installation is by starting with a professional load calculation.

Let Aztil Air Find Your “Just Right”

At Aztil Air, we know just how important a properly sized HVAC system is for efficiency, comfort, and performance. You can count on us to quickly and accurately determine your HVAC capacity needs. We can also help you choose the perfect heating and cooling equipment for the Florida climate and its heating and cooling seasons. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation appointment.

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What Our Clients Think Of Us


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My new HVAC unit suffered a major mechanical failure. Technicians Dana and Rick are incredible and are true experts. Sabrina Corradetti, a manager, is one of the best customer care people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Getting the required parts from the manufacturer was a time-consuming ordeal, but Ms Corradetti stayed on top of the issue, kept me informed, was ALWAYS courteous and very helpful. Aztil has some really good folks working for them.
Ricardo did an amazing job on my contract maintenance tune up. Very thorough and explained to me what he was doing every step of the way. Thank you Ricardo
Dana and Jordan went above and beyond on our AC service today. They were professional and thorough. They communicated very well and answered any of my questions.
Paul G was incredible! We just bought a home and had the unexpected expense of a new AC. He helped with as much as he could. Was super kind and thoughtful.
I continue to recommend this business to those in the area. When I have questions, if the technician is unable to answer I am immediately able to get an answer from those in the office.
Dana, outstanding technician
Response from the owner: Hi Giovanni,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Ricardo was very thorough and knowledgeable. He explained everything he did . He was on time, polite and very nice. I would like him to come for all my routine maintenance of my AC.
Response from the owner: Hi Anne,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Ricardo was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Dana was the Aztil tech who came by to fix my AC issue on a Sunday. He was very professional and did explain everything to me very well.This is the second time I renew my 5 year contract with Aztil.
Response from the owner: Hi Ayman,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Paul was excellent, experienced. Recommend completely. Explained everything thoroughly.
Response from the owner: Hi Mary,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Aztil was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
WOW. David did a wonderful job. Nice when a company has an employee who cares enough to do a good job.
Response from the owner: Hi Debra,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that David was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Knowledgeable, Professional, efficient, personable, and timely.The experience From the office personal to the technician was excellent
Response from the owner: Hi Steve,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Aztil was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Last week we had an issue with our A/C...our request for service was handled promptly and professionally. The work took an extra day and this morning, DANA & ALEX showed up as promised. They completed the work, explaining what they did making sure we were completely satisfied. You have two outstanding employees representing your company.
Response from the owner: Hi Hanna,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana and Alex were able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Ricardo is Amazing!!!!!! He did such an incredible job helping my ducts get clean!! We can now finally breathe healthier and live happier!!!! Overall, everyone that has come to my house has done more than a 5 star job!! I wish we had been dealing with this company from day one. I will NEVER use another company again!!!
Response from the owner: Hi Melissa,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Ricardo was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Dana was very professional. Explained every step of the way
Response from the owner: Hi Jennifer,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Paul g is awesome and so is the company
Dana and Cody from Aztil arrived when scheduled. He had the part needed and proceeded to replace the broken piece. Everything was fixed quickly, and our air conditioning is working perfectly, and he left his work area clean and neat. It’s the kind of experience one wants for a repair.
Response from the owner: Hi Patti,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana and Cody were able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Dana was great. Quickly fixed the problem and advised me on how to avoid future issues.
Response from the owner: Hi James,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Wr have been under service with Aztil since 2013 and they have kept us going. Our technician, Ricardo is excellent, very knowledgeable. He takes his time for little things and keeps our AC going smoothly. Couldn't recommend more!. Thanks!
Response from the owner: Hi Czarree,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Ricardo was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
I have been under contract with this AC company since 2013. They have kept me going since. Just got my usual 6 month tune-up, and my technician, Ricardo was excellent and very helpful, and answered all my questions. Highly recommend. 6 months later, Ricardo is back! Excellent as always!
Response from the owner: Hi Bret, We're glad to hear that the technicians were courteous of your belongings and that Patty was helpful in scheduling the service. We take pride in our customer service and we appreciate your feedback. Thank you for choosing us for your duct cleaning needs.
We had a great experience with Dana from Aztil. He was super thorough and very helpful. He communicated great and was right on time! Highly recommend !
Response from the owner: Hi lindsay,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Ricardo went above and beyond to ensure my AC was functioning well. He took the time to review routine maintenance . He also cleaned the dryer duct and again with above and beyond. He was polite and efficient.
Response from the owner: Hi Barbara,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Ricardo was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Jordan Henry was very nice and helpful to us at late night. We much appreciated his work on our HAVC. We support this company.
Response from the owner: Hi Claudia,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Aztil was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Ramon is absolutely amazing! Very informative and an excellent technician! This is the second time we’ve had him and he’s great
Response from the owner: Hi Kathy,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Ramon was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Dana & Cody gave excellent service to my freaking out self, answered all my many questions about my cracked water tray and more. Also explained about a condensate pump. Very pleased with both them and the way they work together as a team to ensure my problem was repaired.
Response from the owner: Hi Dottie,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana & Cody was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Ramon from Aztil cleaned out the A/C drain and was very thorough, in addition to being polite!
Response from the owner: Hi Marna. Thanks for your positive feedback. Glad you were satisfied with the service from Lee. We value our employees and treat them well, that's why they stay with us. They also enjoy working with great clients such as yourself :) We appreciate your support and business.
We had our six month maintenance and had a great experience. The technician went above and beyond to ensure our unit was cleaned out.
Response from the owner: Hi Ashley,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Aztil was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Ramon took the time to be very thorough and informative. Answered any questions we had and explained recommendations well. Feel comfortable that we are in good hands with Aztil. Great service and fast response to urgent calls for service.
Response from the owner: Hi Steven,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Ramon was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Dana from Aztil completed a major repair to my 3 year old Carrier A/C unit. Dana worked efficiently, carefully and neatly in my home. The replacement of the defective part was covered by the carrier warranty and all of the labor was covered by my Aztil maintenance contract. Dana was extremely fair and honest and did not do any upsell or extra work to run up a big bill. It was all covered by my warranty and maintenance contract. My home is cool and comfortably. I highly recommend Dana and will ask for him for all routine maintenance and repairs.
Response from the owner: Hi Michele,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
We had an A/C tune up today. I am happy to give 5 stars to Ricardo who was meticulous in doing the job right. He went above and beyond and was very courteous. 👍
Response from the owner: Hi Robert,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Ricardo was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Great Job Dana !
Response from the owner: Hi Mario,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Dana was professionally trained and efficient and quick to get my unit working
Response from the owner: Thanks Linda for your positive feedback. We appreciate your business.
Ramon Serpa was professional and made helpful recommendations to maximize our air conditioning efficiency. Thank you!
Response from the owner: Hi Claudia,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Ramon was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Dana was fantastic. Very thorough.
Response from the owner: Hi Bella,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Dana was here did an excellent job. Fast and efficient!! Highly recommended Dana and aztil!!
Response from the owner: Hi,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Dana excellent job and ontime
Response from the owner: Hi Gail,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Ramon is a great technician and a guy!
Response from the owner: Hi,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Ramon was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Riccardo Campos did an excellent job servicing our AC unit. He went above and beyond ensuring that our unit works properly!
Response from the owner: Hi Andrew,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Ricardo was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Ricardo came out to maintenance our AC unit. He was professional and on time. He did great work ensuring our AC was running well. Thank you Ricardo for the white glove service!
Response from the owner: Hi Joseph,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Ricardo was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Had an A/C check up with Aztil today. The tech, Michael (King?), was great as was the Aztil back office. I was told I would be the 1st stop, and I was! Michael was on time, efficient and answered any questions I had.Seems like Aztil has improved its procedures, well done.
Response from the owner: Hi Robert,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Michael was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
Dana was the AC personnel who came to replace the compressor. He was very professional, courteous and completed the work fast!Excellent!
Response from the owner: Hi Asha george,Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Dana was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
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