Sizing the Home Heating System

• 1). Size your home heating system before you get a new one to have the most accurate idea of how large or small a system you need.
  
  
• 2). Determine your local climate; the size, shape and orientation of your home; your home's insulation levels; the number and age of your family members; your family's ideal comfort levels; the area, type and location of your windows and doors; the kind and efficiency of your major appliances; and ways to improve your home's current energy efficiency.
  
  
• 3). Determine the kind of heating system you need. For example, if your home has no insulation, no storm windows and loose fitting doors, you will probably need a heating system that puts out 90 to 110 BTUs per hour per square foot. Meanwhile, if you have R-24 insulation in your walls, R-40 insulation in your ceiling, tight fitting storm doors, R-30 insulation in your floors and double pane windows, you will probably only need a heater the puts out 21 to 25 BTUs per hour per square foot.
  
  
• 4). Make any necessary adjustments increase your home's energy efficiency. These adjustments, such as adding insulation or installing double pane windows, will allow you to purchase a smaller home heating system and reduce your utility bills during cold months.
  
  

Installing Your Home Heating System

• 1). Purchase your home heating system and decide where the ductwork will enter each room.
  
  
• 2). Disconnect the electricity and install an air handler. The instructions to install the air handler differ depending on the kind and size of home heating system you purchase, so follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. If your air handler did not come with instructions, contact the manufacturer. Proper installation is vital because incorrectly installing the air handler could void your warranty and any problems caused by the air handler may not be covered by insurance.
  
  
• 3). Install the compressor outside your home. It should be about 18 inches away from shrubs, trees and your home's foundation. Connect the compressor to the air handler.
  
  
• 4). Install at least one thermostat in your home. Consider installing multiple thermostats to create different heating zones in your home, as this will allow you to heat rooms differently depending on the occupant's needs.
  
  
• 5). Run an electrical line from the thermostat(s) to your breaker box. Make sure all connections are correctly installed and turn on the breaker box.