Malik Heating & Cooling helps families in Kansas City find the right heater. If you plan a heating system installation, choosing the right furnace size is the first big step. The right size saves money and keeps your home comfortable.
Why size matters
A furnace that is too small runs all the time. It cannot heat the house well. Bills go up and the unit wears out fast. A furnace that is too big turns on and off too much. That wastes fuel. It also makes rooms feel damp or drafty. The best size runs smooth and keeps the house warm.
How houses lose heat
Heat moves out through walls, windows, and roofs. Gaps and cracks let warm air leave. Old windows and thin walls lose heat fast. A house with good insulation keeps heat in. That changes the size of furnace you need.
Steps to pick the right size
- Measure the space. Count the rooms and their size in feet. Add the square feet for all rooms you want to heat.
- Note ceiling height. Tall rooms need more heat.
- Check insulation. Attic, walls, and floors change heat needs.
- Count windows and doors. South or west-facing windows can add heat from the sun. Drafty windows can make you need more heat.
- Think about your climate. Kansas City winters can be cold. This changes how much heat you need.
- Use a heat load calculation. A professional uses a formula to get the exact size.
What is a heat load?
A heat load is the amount of heat your home loses on a cold day. It tells the installer how much power the furnace must give. The load uses house size, insulation, windows, and climate. Do not guess. A proper heat load gives the best result.
Why do not use rules of thumb?
Some people use a rule like “20 to 30 BTU per square foot.” That sounds easy. But it can be wrong. Homes differ in shape, age, and insulation. The only sure way is a heat load calc done by a pro.
BTU and furnace size
Furnaces are rated in BTU per hour. A larger BTU means more heat. But more is not always better. The right BTU fits the load. A trained installer will match the furnace to your home.
How Malik Heating & Cooling helps
We run a heat load check. We measure your home. We note the house age, type, and attic. We check windows and doors. Then we pick a furnace size that fits. We also check the ductwork to be sure air flows well.
Ductwork and airflow
Even a well-sized furnace can fail if ducts leak. Leaky ducts waste heat. Too small ducts can starve rooms. Malik seals ducts and fixes the flow. Good airflow means even warmth and lower bills.
New furnaces and efficiency
New furnaces use less fuel than old ones. Look at AFUE ratings to see efficiency. A higher AFUE means more heat from each fuel unit. Efficiency matters for bills and comfort.
Two-stage and modulating furnaces
Some furnaces have two-stage heat or modulating burners. They can run on low most of the time and boost when needed. This gives steadier heat and better comfort. It also saves money in long term.
What about heat pumps?
If your home has a heat pump, size rules differ. Heat pumps move heat instead of making it. They need a different load check. Ask Malik if a heat pump or hybrid system fits your home and Kansas City weather.
Signs your furnace is the wrong size
- Some rooms are cold while others are hot.
- The unit cycles on and off many times an hour.
- Bills rise, but comfort drops.
- The furnace runs constantly and never seems to catch up.
If you see these signs, call a pro for a check.
Cost and life span
A right-sized furnace can last many years. A too-small or too-large furnace can wear out faster. Buying the right size can save repair bills and fuel costs over time.
Simple steps before install
- Seal doors and windows.
- Add attic insulation.
- Fix drafts.
- Make sure vents are not blocked.
- Read our blog on insulation and smart thermostats for more tips.
Questions to ask your installer
- Did you run a heat load calculation?
- How did you measure my home?
- Will you check the ducts and airflow?
- What is the AFUE of the unit?
- Is the unit sized for my home now and for changes later?
Quick checklist before you buy
- Get a written heat load report.
- Compare two or three quotes.
- Ask about duct checks and sealing.
- Check warranty and service plans.
Call to act
The right size matters. A good install matters more. Call Malik Heating & Cooling for a free home check and a clear quote. We help Kansas City homes stay warm and save money.
Get your free quote.