When you are considering a new heat pump for your home in Victoria, British Columbia, choosing one that’s the right size is crucial. If you install a heat pump that’s too small, it will struggle to heat and cool your home adequately. If you choose one that’s too large, it will suffer from poor efficiency and unnecessary wear and tear. However, most homeowners don’t know how to go about sizing a heat pump. Fortunately, the experts here at Darias Heating & Air Conditioning do. Here’s everything you need to know about the process.
A Word About Heat Pump Size Estimates
The first thing you should know about heat pump sizing is that it’s best left to professionals. Countless factors influence the size of the system your home needs. In Victoria and throughout the province, HVAC professionals calculate heat load to determine what size heat pump you need. The calculation uses the Canadian Standard F-280 procedure. It takes every aspect of your home’s construction into account, including:
- Total square footage
- Local climate
- Insulation quality
- Type of windows, doors, and foundations
- Percent of below and above-grade walls
There are reasons why HVAC professionals use the F-280 procedure. One is that no two homes are ever the same. The other is that common estimation methods are routinely off by 30% or more. That’s enough to impact your home’s comfort and energy costs significantly.
How Manufacturers Measure Heat Pump Size
If you plan to shop for a heat pump, you’ll find them listed in size measurements known as tons. One ton is equivalent to 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heating and cooling capacity. A BTU represents the energy needed to raise one pound of water by 1°F starting at a temperature of 39°F. In an HVAC context, BTUs represent the energy required to add or remove 1°F of heat from your home.
Heat Pump Size Estimation
It’s possible to come up with a heat pump size estimate yourself. While it won’t be precise, it can be helpful as a point of reference while shopping for a system. Here’s how to do it.
Begin With BTUs Per Square Foot
The first step in estimating the heat pump size your home needs is to measure your home. It’s a general rule of thumb that homes in our climate region require about 25 BTUs per square foot. Using that figure should give you an approximation of your home’s heating and cooling needs.
To find your home’s total square footage, measure the length and width of each room. Multiply those to get the square footage of the room you’re measuring. Then, add all of each room’s totals together. Make sure to exclude any parts of your home your HVAC doesn’t serve. For example, if you have an unfinished basement or anywhere else with no HVAC vents, leave it out of your total.
Next, multiply your square footage by 25 to determine approximately what size heat pump you need. The number you get should be accurate enough to help you start shopping for a new system. However, you can take additional steps to make your estimate even more precise.
Consider Ceiling Height
Using the square footage of your home to estimate its heating and cooling needs leaves out something important. It doesn’t capture the total volume of space inside your home. To do that, you can rerun your original calculation with your home’s ceiling heights included. It is a worthwhile step if your home has high ceilings in one or more of its rooms.
There are two ways you can account for ceiling height. The easiest way is to use a ceiling height average. Just measure each room’s ceiling height, add them, and divide by the number of rooms. Then, multiply the average you get by your total square footage and multiply the result by 25.
To be even more specific, you can multiply each room’s length, width, and height individually. Then, add your results to arrive at your home’s total volume. Multiplying the volume by 25 yields a BTU estimate that accounts for your home’s specific ceiling heights.
Compensate for Additional Factors
You can refine your estimate by accounting for some of your home’s design and usage details. For example, if your home has plentiful windows, it will affect your heating and cooling needs. So will its total number of exterior doors. Add 1,000 BTUs of capacity to your estimate for every window and exterior door to account for that. If you have bay or picture windows, add 2,000 BTUs each.
You should also account for how many people live in your home. Each occupant adds approximately 100 BTUs to your home’s heat load. So, multiply the number of residents by 100 and add that to your estimate. The only exception to that rule is if it’s rare for everyone to be home at once. In that case, base your estimate on the average number of people occupying your home simultaneously.
Your kitchen also affects its heating and cooling needs. If you have a large kitchen that you use frequently, it will add significantly to your home’s heat load. Generally, you will require 1,200 to 4,000 BTUs to handle the heat your kitchen generates. There’s no precise figure you can use, however. Use the low-end estimate if you have a small kitchen and don’t use it often. For a medium kitchen with moderate use, add 2,500 BTUs. Only a large kitchen with commercial-style appliances that sees daily use will need 4,000 additional BTUs.
Other Heat Pump Considerations
Finally, it’s worth pointing out that homes here in Victoria benefit from being in a temperate climate zone. We don’t get sweltering summers or frigid winters. When it comes to selecting a heat pump, that means two things. One is that there’s a good chance your rough heat pump size estimate will turn out to be overkill. So, you should never make your final heat pump selection before having a professional heat load calculation. The other thing is that you won’t need a cold-climate heat pump, which will reduce upfront costs. A standard modern heat pump will maintain efficiency down to about -20°C. That’s far lower than the average low temperature in our area.
Trusted Local Heat Pump Specialists
The best way to choose the right size heat pump in Victoria is to consult with Darias Heating & Air Conditioning. Our technicians have the latest training and years of experience installing heat pumps. We’re a locally owned and operated HVAC company that understands Victoria residents’ needs. Plus, we offer detailed upfront price quotes, so you never need to worry about surprise bills from us. Additionally, we offer complete HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance services. That includes conventional HVAC systems, boilers, and ductless mini-splits as well. We also provide sheet metal fabrication, ductwork, and indoor air quality services. If you want a new heat pump for your Victoria home, call Darias Heating & Air Conditioning today!
