Choosing the right furnace size can be a real head-scratcher. Too small, and you’ll be shivering through those chilly Mokena winters. Too big, and you’ll be wasting money on energy bills and dealing with uneven heating. But don’t worry, TemperaturePro Mokena is here to help you find that Goldilocks furnace – the one that’s just right.
Understanding Furnace Types
Before we dive into sizing, let’s quickly review the main types of furnaces:
- Natural Gas Furnaces: The most common type, offering efficiency and relatively low operating costs.
- Electric Furnaces: Environmentally friendly and great for those without access to natural gas lines.
- Oil Furnaces: Effective in very cold climates but less common due to fluctuating oil prices.
Each type has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences.
Factors Affecting Furnace Size
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of furnace sizing. Here are the key factors to consider:
Home Size
- Square Footage: The bigger your house, the more powerful your furnace needs to be. To get a rough estimate, calculate the square footage of each floor (length x width) and add them together.
- Ceiling Height: High or vaulted ceilings? You’ll need to factor in that extra space. A simple calculation is to multiply your square footage by your ceiling height to get cubic footage. Then, multiply that number by 0.133 to find the approximate BTUs needed.
Calculating Square Footage
- Measure: Homeowners can measure the length and width of each room in their home in feet.
- Calculate: Multiply the length and width of each room to find the square footage.
- Add: Add up the square footage of all rooms to find the total heated area of their home.
| Room | Length (feet) | Width (feet) | Square Footage (length x width) |
| Living Room | 15 | 20 | 300 |
| Kitchen | 12 | 10 | 120 |
| Bedroom 1 | 14 | 12 | 168 |
| Bedroom 2 | 10 | 11 | 110 |
| Total | 698 sq ft |
Climate Zone
Different climates have different heating requirements, so your location plays a big role in determining the right furnace size. Mokena, Illinois is in Climate Zone 5. This means you’ll need a furnace with a higher BTU output per square foot to keep your home warm during those chilly Midwestern winters. Here’s a general guideline for BTU output based on climate zone:
| Climate Zone | BTU per Square Foot |
| 1 (Warmest) | 30-35 |
| 2 | 35-40 |
| 3 | 40-45 |
| 4 | 45-50 |
| 5 (Coldest) | 50-60 |
Estimated BTU Output Needed Based on Square Footage (Climate Zone 5)
| Square Footage | Estimated BTU Output |
| 500 – 700 | 25,000 – 42,000 |
| 700 – 1,000 | 35,000 – 60,000 |
| 1,000 – 1,500 | 50,000 – 90,000 |
| 1,500 – 2,000 | 75,000 – 120,000 |
| 2,000 – 2,500 | 100,000 – 150,000 |
| 2,500 – 3,000 | 125,000 – 180,000 |
Insulation and Air Sealing
- Insulation: A well-insulated home is a happy home (and a less expensive one to heat!). Check the R-values of your insulation – higher is better.
- Air Sealing: Seal up those drafty windows and doors to prevent heat loss and reduce the strain on your furnace.
Windows and Sunlight
- Window Efficiency: Old, single-pane windows are heat suckers. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows to keep those heating bills down.
- Sunlight Exposure: South-facing windows can provide some passive heating, potentially reducing your furnace needs.
Other Factors
- Number of Occupants: More bodies = more heat.
- Appliances and Electronics: These generate heat, which can contribute to overall warmth.
- Desired Temperature: If you like it toasty, you might need a slightly larger furnace.
Important Notes
- Avoid Oversizing: An oversized furnace will short cycle, leading to inefficiency and premature wear and tear.
- Manual J Load Calculation: For the most accurate furnace sizing, contact TemperaturePro Mokena for a professional Manual J load calculation. Our experts will consider all the factors mentioned above to recommend the perfect furnace for your home.
Why Choose TemperaturePro Mokena?
At TemperaturePro Mokena, we’re not just about selling furnaces – we’re about building relationships with our customers and ensuring their comfort. Here’s why you can trust us with your furnace needs:
- Customer-Focused: We prioritize your satisfaction and strive to provide a seamless and respectful service experience.
- Expert Technicians: Our highly trained and certified technicians can handle any furnace installation or repair.
- Well-Equipped: We come prepared with the tools and parts to get the job done efficiently.
- Core Values: Honesty, transparency, and upfront pricing are at the heart of everything we do.
Ready to find the perfect furnace for your Mokena home? Contact TemperaturePro Mokena today for a free consultation!