Fixing an Oversized Furnace? We Can Help. Get The Right Size and Save!
How ToIf your furnace is oversized, you may be wondering how to fix it. Oversized furnaces can be inefficient and costly, leading to higher energy bills and decreased indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to fix an oversized furnace and restore your home to its comfortable and efficient state. In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of the causes of an oversized furnace and how to properly address them. We’ll also provide advice on how to prevent oversized furnaces in the future. With the right tools and knowledge, you can quickly fix an oversized furnace and enjoy the comfort and savings of a properly sized system.
How to Properly Size a Furnace for Your Home
Sizing a furnace correctly is essential for ensuring your home is adequately heated and energy efficient. Incorrectly sized furnaces can lead to uncomfortable temperatures, higher energy bills, and even shortened lifespan of the unit. Here are some tips to help you properly size a furnace for your home.
First, measure the square footage of your home. This will determine the size of the furnace you need. A general rule of thumb is that you need 25 to 30 BTUs (British thermal units) of heat output per square foot of living space. For example, if your home is 2,000 square feet, you will need 50,000 to 60,000 BTUs of heat output.
Next, consider the climate of your area. If you live in a cold climate, you may need a larger furnace to keep your home warm. Also, if your home has high ceilings, you will need a larger furnace due to the increased volume of air that needs to be heated. Similarly, if your home has large windows, you may need a larger furnace to compensate for the loss of heat through the windows.
Finally, consider the type of fuel your furnace will use. Different types of furnaces have different output ratings, so make sure to look for a furnace that is rated for the type of fuel you will be using. Electric furnaces are typically rated in kilowatts (kW), while gas furnaces are rated in BTUs.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you properly size your furnace for your home. With the proper size, you can enjoy comfortable temperatures and energy efficiency in your home.
The Benefits of Installing a Furnace That’s the Right Size
Installing a furnace that is the right size for your home has many benefits. Not only will it ensure your home is heated efficiently, but it can also save you money in the long run.
Having a furnace that is the right size for your home means that it will heat the space more efficiently. A furnace that is too small will struggle to keep your home warm and will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This inefficiency can result in higher energy bills and a less comfortable home. On the other hand, a furnace that is too large will cycle on and off more frequently, which wastes energy and can be a major source of wear and tear on the system.
The right-sized furnace will also last longer and require fewer repairs. A furnace that is too large will experience more wear and tear due to its frequent on and off cycles, resulting in a shorter lifespan. A furnace that is too small may not have the power to keep up with your home’s heating needs, leading to breakdowns due to overworking.
Finally, investing in the right-sized furnace can save you money in the long run. An oversized furnace will undoubtedly cost more to operate due to its inefficiency, while an undersized furnace may require more frequent repairs due to its inability to keep up with your home’s heating needs.
In conclusion, having a furnace that is the right size for your home will not only provide a more comfortable living environment, but it will also save you money in the long run. Investing in the right furnace will ensure your home is heated efficiently and your system lasts longer.
Tips for Troubleshooting an Oversized Furnace
- Check the burner flame. The burner flame should be a blue color with no yellow tips. If the flame is yellow, you may have a problem with the gas pressure or air flow.
- Check the air filter. A dirty air filter can restrict air flow and cause your furnace to run too hot. Make sure the air filter is clean and free of any blockage.
- Adjust the furnace blower speed. Your furnace blower speed should be set to low. If the blower speed is set too high, it can cause the furnace to overheat and become oversized.
- Check the temperature sensor. A faulty temperature sensor can cause the furnace to run too hot. Make sure the temperature sensor is in good working condition.
- Make sure the combustion chamber is clear. If the combustion chamber is clogged with dirt and dust, it can restrict air flow and cause overheating.
- Check the venting system. Make sure the venting system is clear of any blockages and is properly venting outside. Improper venting can cause the furnace to overheat and become oversized.
- Check the thermostat setting. The thermostat should be set to a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the furnace.
- Inspect the furnace for any damage. Make sure the furnace is in good working condition and is not damaged in any way. If the furnace is damaged, it can cause it to overheat and become oversized.
How to Adjust a Furnace’s Burner to Reduce Capacity
Adjusting the capacity of a furnace’s burner is an important part of managing the overall efficiency and performance of the furnace. This procedure must be done with care as incorrect adjustment can lead to poor performance or even potentially dangerous situations.
Before beginning any adjustment to the furnace’s burner, it is important to ensure that the power is shut off to the entire system. Once this is done, the access panel must be removed to expose the furnace’s burner.
The air shutter is typically the first item to be adjusted, as this regulates the amount of air that is mixed with the fuel. The shutter should be adjusted clockwise to reduce the amount of air. This will result in the burner running at a lower capacity.
The second item to adjust is the fuel valve. Turning the valve clockwise will reduce the fuel flow and, consequently, the capacity of the burner. It should be noted that reducing the fuel flow too much can result in the burner not being able to generate enough heat to keep the home comfortable.
Once the desired settings are achieved, the access panel should be replaced and the power to the furnace should be turned back on. It is important to check the system’s performance after any adjustment is made to ensure that the results are satisfactory.
Adjusting the capacity of a furnace’s burner is a straightforward process, but it is important to be very careful when making any adjustments. Following the instructions outlined above will help ensure that the furnace runs safely and efficiently.
What to Consider When Replacing an Oversized Furnace
When replacing an oversized furnace, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the new furnace is correctly sized for the space. An oversized furnace will not only be inefficient, but it may be too powerful for the intended space, leading to costly repairs in the future. Proper sizing will ensure that the furnace runs efficiently, taking into account all contributing factors such as square footage, insulation, and climate.
Secondly, it is important to consider the type of fuel your new furnace will use. Most modern furnaces are powered by either natural gas or electricity, with natural gas generally being the more cost-effective option. It is also important to consider the potential environmental impact of switching to natural gas, as burning natural gas emits carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Finally, it is important to consider the cost of installation and the ongoing maintenance of the new furnace. Installation costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the job, while ongoing maintenance costs will depend on the type of furnace and the manufacturer’s warranty. It is also important to consider the cost of any additional features or accessories that may be required, such as zoning systems, air cleaners, and thermostats.
By considering all of these factors before replacing an oversized furnace, homeowners can ensure that their new furnace is the correct size and type for their space, and that they are making a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly choice.
Q&A
How can I fix an oversized furnace?
To fix an oversized furnace, you should adjust the furnace’s blower speed and replace the furnace filters. You can also adjust the size of the furnace’s heat anticipator and check the size of the ducts to make sure they are properly sized.
What are the signs of an oversized furnace?
Signs of an oversized furnace include short cycling, uneven temperatures in the home, and higher than normal energy bills.
What can cause an oversized furnace?
An oversized furnace can be caused by incorrect sizing of the original installation, improper duct sizing, or a malfunctioning thermostat.
How can I test the size of my furnace?
You can test the size of your furnace by measuring the airflow from the vent and comparing it to the manufacturer’s specifications. You can also check the temperature at the vents to ensure they match the manufacturer’s recommended temperature.
Is it safe to use an oversized furnace?
No, it is not safe to use an oversized furnace. Running an oversized furnace can cause short cycling, uneven temperatures in the home, and higher than normal energy bills.
Conclusion
The best way to fix an oversized furnace is to hire a qualified HVAC technician to properly size and install the furnace. The technician will measure the space and calculate the necessary heating output to properly heat your home, then install the correct size furnace and make any necessary adjustments. Additionally, an oversized furnace will require more energy and cost more to operate, so replacing it with the correct size furnace could save you money on your energy bills.