Why Bigger Isn’t Better

After about 15 to 20 years furnaces begin to break down and eventually you will need to get a replacement. When that day comes you might feel like it would be best to look for a more powerful furnace. One that will heat your home faster and more efficiently. Unfortunately getting a bigger furnace doesn’t make it better. In fact, getting a more powerful furnace will cause problems and require more furnace repair in San Jose, CA. To explain here are some of the common issues that come with oversized furnaces:

Uneven Heat Distribution

Many homeowners complain about one area of the home heating too quickly while other sections that never seem to warm up. Even well-balanced furnaces can have similar problems, but it becomes more prominent with an oversized furnace. The rooms that were slightly warmer before will start to feel even hotter. And if the thermostat is located in one of these warm areas the rooms farther away will likely remain cold.

Short Cycling Problems

Yes, a larger furnace will heat the home quicker, maybe even faster than expected. But an oversized furnace can cause short cycling. This is when the furnace shuts down only to start back up again in a short time. This happens because the furnace itself overheats. Because it is too large for the home it is generating more heat than what is used up. During operation heat continues to build up until eventually, it triggers a safety sensor that shuts the system down to protect the components. In the end, the home didn’t warm properly and the cycle starts over.

Higher Installation and Operating Costs

In most cases, installers will charge you more to install a larger furnace. And if the unit is too big for the space they may have to move or adjust fuel connections to accommodate the size. Or a larger unit may not be compatible with the current ductwork, which poses another problem. Each of these issues will come at an added cost. Lager units also require more power and more fuel. And because of the tendency to short cycle, these costs can rise.

Less Efficiency

Turns out a larger furnace heats does not heat the home more efficiently. This is because furnaces don’t reach peak efficiency until after the warmup phase. But an oversized furnace pushes the temperatures up to quickly and doesn’t spend a lot of time operating after the warmup phase. Another thing, if the furnace size is incorrect the energy ratings will be inaccurate.

Shorter Lifespan

If an oversized furnace works harder and less efficiently then it will likely also suffer from a shorter lifespan. It will require more furnace repair and fail sooner.

This is why it is so important to always work with a reliable HVAC professional. At Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning, our technicians can help you find the right sized furnace for your home and provide top of the line furnace repair in San Jose, CA. That way you enjoy a comfortable home and spend less time and money on your furnace. To schedule an appointment call (408) 800-2791. Or visit us at 3751 Charter Park Court #D, San Jose, CA 95136.