Square Footage
Square Footage | HVAC Unit Replacement | Heating and Air Conditioning | Mulberry
Whether you live in a cozy Mulberry bungalow or a sprawling lakeside estate, HEP’s square-footage pros make sure your comfort system is sized to perfection. Our team measures every nook and cranny, factors in insulation and sun exposure, then recommends high-efficiency equipment that matches your home’s unique demands. That precision means lower utility bills, fewer hot-and-cold spots, and year-round peace of mind.
When it’s time for HVAC unit replacement, we handle everything—from removing your old system to fine-tuning the last thermostat setting—usually in a single day. Expect transparent quotes, flexible financing, and courteous technicians who treat your property like their own. Discover why Mulberry homeowners trust HEP to turn square footage into squarely perfect comfort.
FAQs
How do I figure out what size HVAC system my Mulberry home needs based on square footage?
Start with your home’s conditioned square footage (measure the interior length × width of each room and add them together). Multiply that total by 25 BTU for cooling and 35–40 BTU for heating as a quick rule of thumb. For example, a 2,000-sq-ft home would need roughly 50,000 BTU of cooling and 70,000–80,000 BTU of heating. A licensed HVAC contractor will then perform a Manual J load calculation that refines those numbers by adding local weather data for Mulberry, window size and orientation, insulation levels, ceiling height, and air-infiltration rates to make sure the system is neither undersized nor oversized.
Why isn’t square footage alone enough to size a replacement HVAC unit?
Square footage provides a starting point, but two Mulberry homes of identical size can have very different heating and cooling loads. Roof color, attic insulation depth, single- vs. double-pane windows, number of occupants, duct leakage, and even the amount of shade from trees all influence the final BTU requirement. Oversizing wastes energy, short-cycles the compressor, and reduces humidity control; undersizing forces the unit to run constantly and shortens its life. A complete load calculation prevents those problems.
What does a typical HVAC replacement cost in Mulberry, FL?
For a 1,500–2,500-sq-ft residence, the installed price of a new heat-pump or straight-cool/air-handler system generally ranges from $6,500 to $12,000. Pricing is affected by equipment tonnage, SEER2 efficiency, refrigerant type, duct repairs, smart thermostat upgrades, and permit fees. Higher-efficiency inverter heat pumps cost more up front but can cut annual energy bills by 25-40 %, yielding a 3- to 6-year payback in Polk County’s warm climate.
How long will my home be without heating or cooling during the replacement?
A straight “change-out” (replacing indoor air handler and outdoor condenser on existing ductwork) usually takes one full workday—4 to 8 hours of downtime. If the job includes duct sealing, electrical upgrades, or a line-set reroute, add another half-day. Replacing the entire duct system in an attic can stretch the project to 2–3 days. Your installer will typically set the new outdoor unit first, then reconnect the indoor coil, evacuate and charge the refrigerant, start the system, and test airflow so you have cooling or heat before they leave each day.
What efficiency rating should I choose for Mulberry’s climate?
Florida’s 2023 code minimum is 14.3 SEER2/7.5 HSPF2 for packaged units and 15.2 SEER2/8.1 HSPF2 for split systems. Because Mulberry has nearly 2,800 cooling-degree days each year, a 16–18 SEER2 variable-speed heat pump is often the sweet spot—balancing upfront cost with lower electric bills and better humidity removal. Homes with high power rates or solar panels may benefit from 19-20 SEER2 equipment. Always verify SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 ratings on the AHRI certificate to qualify for federal tax credits and local utility rebates.
Do I need permits or inspections to replace my HVAC unit in Mulberry?
Yes. Polk County requires a mechanical permit for any HVAC equipment replacement that alters refrigerant lines, electrical circuits, or structural components. Your contractor should pull the permit, schedule a final inspection, and provide you with a copy of the approved load calculation. Skipping the permit can void manufacturer warranties and cause problems when you sell your home. The inspection verifies proper refrigerant charge, secure hurricane pad and tie-downs, code-compliant float switch, and R-410A or R-32 refrigerant labeling.