Furnace Sizing Guide: How Many BTUs Do I Need?

Minnesota winters bring excessive snow and bitterly cold temperatures, so it’s important to have a furnace that can keep you and your home warm during this season. Choosing the right furnace for your home is crucial for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency during winters in the Twin Cities.

At Dean’s Home Services, we know what it takes to maintain a warm and cozy home even as temperatures plummet. One of the most common questions homeowners ask our team is, “What size furnace do I need for my house?” The answer depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, climate, and personal heating needs. This guide from our HVAC professionals will help you make an informed decision.

Why Furnace Size Matters

Selecting the right furnace size isn’t just about comfort, it’s also about efficiency. An oversized furnace can cycle on and off too frequently, wasting energy and wearing out faster. On the other hand, an undersized furnace will struggle to heat your home adequately, leaving you chilly on those subzero nights.

The size of a furnace is typically measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), which represent the amount of heat the furnace can produce in an hour.

Furnace Sizing Guidelines

To get a rough estimate of the BTU requirements for your home, you can use the following chart. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines and may vary based on your home’s insulation, window quality, and ceiling height:

• 1,200-square-foot home: 35,000–75,000 BTUs 
• 1,500-square-foot home: 45,000–90,000 BTUs
• 1,800-square-foot home: 55,000–110,000 BTUs
• 2,000-square-foot home: 60,000–125,000 BTUs
• 2,400-square-foot home: 75,000-145,000 BTUs

Factors That Influence Furnace Size

While the guidelines above provide a good starting point, you’ll need to consider these factors to ensure the furnace you choose is a perfect fit for your home:

• Insulation: Well-insulated homes require less heating power, while older or poorly insulated homes may need a larger furnace.
• Climate: Living in the Twin Cities means experiencing harsh winters, so higher BTU requirements are common compared to milder climates.
• Ceiling height: Homes with high ceilings require more BTUs to heat the additional volume of air.
• Windows and doors: Drafty or single-pane windows can increase heat loss, impacting the BTU needs.

Professional Sizing With a Heat Load Calculation

For precise furnace sizing, it’s best to work with a professional HVAC technician. At Dean’s, we perform heat load calculations as part of our furnace installation services, taking into account all the variables that affect your home’s heating needs. This ensures you get a furnace that keeps you warm without unnecessary energy costs.

Trust Dean’s for Your Furnace Needs

Whether you’re upgrading an old furnace or installing a new system, Dean’s Home Services is here to help. Our team of experts has over 100 years of experience in the HVAC industry, and we are committed to providing top-quality heating services to Twin Cities residents. You can trust that we will guide you through the selection process and help ensure you choose a furnace perfectly sized for your home.

Call Dean’s Home Services today to schedule furnace services in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or the surrounding areas.