Whether you are building a new home or your old HVAC system needs to be replaced, choosing the right system for large homes is essential. In fact, choosing the right HVAC for any size home is crucial to ensuring your home stays the temperature you want without wearing out your system.
When you pick an HVAC system, you need to consider several factors, including the size, age, and layout of your home as well as your budget. You may also want to take energy efficiency ratings into consideration if you are eco-conscious or just want to make sure you get a better return on your investment.
The HVAC experts at One Call Service have gathered these tips, tricks, and answers to our most frequently asked questions to help you choose the best residential HVAC systems.
Residential HVAC Systems
Standard AC and Furnace Split System
Often referred to as “forced air” systems, this HVAC setup works by blowing untreated air through the furnace where it is heated or cooled. This air is then pushed through the ductwork in your home. The furnace in a split system is usually powered by natural gas, although there are also propane-powered furnaces as well.
These HVAC systems are very popular in mild climates with no need for central air conditioning. If you live in an area with particularly hot summers (like Arkansas for instance), we do not recommend this system.
Electric Furnace and AC Split System
This system is identical to a forced air system, but it is powered by electricity rather than natural gas or propane. These are basically giant space heaters with AC units attached. We recommend these systems for areas with very mild winters, like Florida or southern California.
We do not recommend these for large homes because they are not very energy-efficient. Since they run on electricity you will see a drastic increase in your electricity bills.
Standard Heat Pump and Air Handler Split System
This type of HVAC system provides both heating and air conditioning through the heat pump. Refrigerant is circulated through the system by a compressor and cold air is blown into your home by an indoor handler.
The relatively low cost of installing and operating this type of HVAC system makes it popular across the country. However, it does require ductwork because it is a split system. This can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and lower energy efficiency if it is not properly maintained.
These systems are among the best HVAC for large homes and in fact work well in houses of all sizes.
Mini-Split Heat Pump System
The mini-split heat pump system is very similar to the standard heat pump system. Rather than one large unit, however, several are scattered at strategic points throughout your home. How many units you need to purchase and install will vary based on the size of your home. Large homes may need as many as eight units.
These systems are low-cost and high-efficiency and they do not require ductwork. This makes them very popular in homes that want to avoid the cost of installing new ductwork, making them one of the best heating and cooling systems for older homes. However, if your home is very large —over 4,000 square feet— the cost of the units needed for coverage may outweigh the cost of installing ductwork.
Boiler with Radiant Heat System and AC
Radiant heat systems work by heating water and pushing that water through pipes underneath the floor. The heat “radiates” from the boiling water and warms your home. Boilers come in electric-, natural gas-, and propane-powered models.
These are very effective and comfortable residential HVAC systems. They do not dry out or add moisture to your home’s air. They do, however, often take a long time to fully heat, especially in large homes. It can take up to an hour or more for your home to be completely heated.
If you already have radiant pipes set up under your flooring, this can be the best heating and cooling system for older homes. Because the pipes are expensive to install, this system is usually recommended as a replacement for existing infrastructure —not as an HVAC system for a new build.
Geothermal Heat Pump System
Geothermal heat pump systems use underground pipes to warm and cool water that is piped through your house to control the temperature. It is an extremely energy-efficient system that cuts back drastically on your energy consumption and, therefore, your energy bills. Geothermal heat pump systems are the most energy-efficient option on the market. They are also incredibly long-lasting with a lifespan of over 25 years.
They are also the most expensive system to install —especially in existing homes. We usually recommend these systems only for new builds because building the pipe infrastructure required is easier. For large homes that consume large quantities of energy, geothermal systems can save hundreds of dollars a month in energy bills. Run those savings against your installation costs to help you decide if the investment makes this system the best HVAC for your large home.
Can an AC Unit Be Too Big For a House?
Yes —when your AC unit is too big and has extra capacity, it can cause a few problems.
First, it can heat and cool your home too quickly. Also called “short cycling,” this might sound like a good problem to have —especially when you are too hot or too cold. Unfortunately, the system will turn on and off much more frequently to keep your home at the correct temperature. This can cause excessive wear and tear on your compressor, fan, and other HVAC system components.
Second, extra power means excessive airflow. Even if you set the temperature on the thermostat, the power of the system can quickly make your home too hot or cold, leaving you uncomfortable all over again.
Finally, you should remember that the larger the unit, the more power it consumes. This means bigger electric bills. In large homes that already consume plenty of energy, this extra cost is even more noticeable. In a small home that requires less energy for an appropriately sized, residential HVAC system, you will see your energy bill grow much larger than normal.
Choose the Best HVAC for Large Homes — and for All Homes
Whether you are building a new home or your old HVAC system needs to be replaced, choosing the best HVAC system for your home is vital. When you choose your HVAC system, you have to remember all the essential factors.
Contact One Call Service for an HVAC consultation. We can help you pick the perfect unit for your home, no matter what the size! From cost-efficient models to luxury HVAC systems, as an Elite Dealer, we have access to the most reliable HVAC brands in the business!