What Size Furnace Do I Need?

Winters in West Salem, OR, are cold and often include snow, so you’ll need a reliable furnace to keep your home warm. When it’s time to replace an old or worn furnace, it’s important to choose one that’s the right size or capacity. At Loren’s Heating, our skilled technicians will always assist you in making sure you get the right furnace for your home’s needs.

Know the Climate Zone

The Department of Energy created a heating zone map based on climates across the United States. West Salem is in climate zone three. This area needs 40 to 45 British thermal units (BTUs) of heat per square foot of indoor space. This assumes that your home already has the recommended R-value of insulation and that your ducts are sealed.

Determine the Square Footage of Your Home

Determine the square footage of your home. The original blueprints, a recent survey, or the county auditor assessor should have this information. Your home’s title may also include it. If you can’t find it, you’ll need to calculate it. The square footage of one room is its length multiplied by its width. Do this for each room, and add these numbers. The result is your home’s total square footage. Don’t forget hallways and other spaces that are heated and cooled, such as a basement.

Perform a Heating Load Calculation

Our experienced technicians will perform a heating load calculation at your home. This calculation uses a complicated formula that takes into account your home’s age, its construction materials, sun exposure, insulation, number of windows and doors, number of stories, and other factors. This helps us customize the right size of furnace for your home.

At Loren’s Heating, we’re the trusted installers of new furnaces in West Salem. We’re also available to install new cooling systems. Our heating and air conditioning maintenance and repair keep your home comfortable year-round. We also offer indoor air quality solutions and fireplace inserts. To learn more about what size of furnace you need, get in touch with our NATE-certified technicians at Loren’s Heating today.