While you may be tempted to purchase the largest and most expensive HVAC system for your home, remember that with HVAC systems, size matters, and bigger isn't always better. If you install a too-small system, it may run harder to regulate the house's temperature, which reduces its lifespan more quickly. If you install a system that's too large, it could develop dehumidification problems. The best way to determine the perfect sized HVAC system to install is to determine the square footage of your home. Once you have that number, determine the base BTU, which is the unit used to measure energy for HVAC systems. The amount of energy required to heat or cool one square foot of your home is about 25 BTUs. With the square footage, you can estimate the number of BTUs you need to provide effective heating and cooling. Also, take into account high ceilings. If your home's ceilings are over 8 feet, multiply the base BTU by 25%. Of course, if you're not the best at math, you can always call Performance Based Heating & Cooling for a consultation. We'll do the work for you and determine which HVAC system is right for you.