How to Choose Small-Home Heating & Cooling Units

Heating and cooling units are complex systems that control climate.

Heating and cooling units are complex systems that control climate.

Heating and cooling is an important aspect of homes, helping to control the climate indoors throughout the year so you can enjoy the exact level of comfort you desire. However, there are a lot of options when it comes to selecting the right heating and cooling unit. Not all of those options are clear-cut and simple. When selecting the right HVAC unit for your small home, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the most out of your investment.


An important first step is to match the size of your home to the output of the furnace or air conditioning unit. A unit that is too small will never heat or cool a home sufficiently. A unit that is too large heats and cools too quickly, leading to excess energy consumption. Excess humidity is another issue with air conditioners that are too large for the home, as the motor doesn’t have sufficient time to dry out the air when circulating. That can lead to mold and mildew. It's also important to ensure to check the type of ductwork for the HVAC system you are considering. Ensure the ductwork is large enough to push the air through your home.


Natural gas, oil and electric are all fuel for the various HVAC units available on the market. Traditionally, most furnaces run off of natural gas or oil, while air conditioning units run off of electric, but there are also electric furnaces available. The main difference above and beyond the type of fuel/power used to run the device is placement. Furnaces tend to be large, bulky and best located in the basement of a home, and if you have a matching air conditioning unit it is located in the same area. However, stand-alone air conditioners can be placed outside, such as with central air units, or they are mounted on the wall or window and completely separate from the furnace. If you are only looking to cool a single room, consider a wall-mounted or window-mounted unit.

Efficiency Rating

Check the efficiency rating before finalizing your purchase. Not all brands, sizes and types of HVAC units are created equal, and all units come with an efficiency rating clearly labeled at the manufacturer or store where you purchase your unit. The government regulations for units is known as SEER — seasonal energy efficiency rating — and the higher the rating the less energy the unit consumes. As a general rule, older units have a lower rating given that technology continues to increase, which means the development and enhancement of units has evolved over time. Most new units have a higher level of energy efficiency compared to older units. Energy efficiency ratings are universal concepts, which means they are the same for large and small homes.

Geothermal Versus Traditional

Consider a geothermal unit if you plan on installing a heating and cooling system that never needs replacement. The Environmental Protection Agency states that geothermal units have a 30- to 40-percent reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional gas, electric or oil units. This is because the geothermal heating and cooling is based upon the ground temperature several feet below ground. This temperature rarely changes, regardless of how cold or hot it gets outside, which means less energy is consumed when heating or cooling the home since it is always a similar temperature. However, the price of a geothermal unit is often tens of thousands in comparison to a small home HVAC unit which can be picked up in the mid, four-digit range. If long-term considerations are your primary concern, go geothermal and save money in the long run while also being energy-conscious.


Radiant heating within concrete slabs is another option that can keep you from needing to use a furnace if you live in a temperate climate where below-freezing temperatures are rare. Heat mats underneath tile floors are also an option. Another sustainable choice for small homes is solar heating, although the cost of the solar panels is generally more than a furnace. Swamp coolers that rely upon circulated water and blowing are are also another option for smaller homes in areas where the climate is never excessively hot, as opposed to an actual air conditioning unit.

About the Author


Photo Credits

  • Hemera Technologies/ Images
Suggest a Correction