When you have a new HVAC system installed, you will enjoy a lot of benefits, such as improved indoor comfort, better energy efficiency, fewer repair and an extended service life. A new HVAC system represents a significant investment, and it makes good sense to make sure that it’s installed correctly. A poorly installed system will compromise your levels of indoor comfort and will leave you with a lot of problems that you will have to correct later. In order to help you with your new installation, we have compiled these three top HVAC installation tips to ensure that you get the best possible experience.
- Check if You Need Permits
Always check with your HVAC installer to find out if you need to obtain any permits before the work begins. If you need a permit for the installation of your new HVAC system, make sure you get it early. Any delay could cost you more money if you leave this until the last minute and have to cancel or delay the installation appointment.
- Prepare the Area
You can help the installation process to go smoothly by clearing out the surrounding areas. This will make it easier for the installers to work and save them valuable time to speed up the process. If the unit is an exterior AC system or heat pump, move away any outdoor items and trim back any obtrusive vegetation. For indoor equipment, such as air handlers and furnaces, move away any items that are stored in and around the area. Make sure that the installers have unobstructed access to the areas where they may be working, such as the: basement, garage, attic or utility closet.
- Choose a Quality HVAC Installer
When you choose your new system, the features are important, such as convenience, capacity, and energy efficiency. These features that you are paying a premium for may not work as well if the system is badly installed. Here are the three main areas where you will benefit the most from a professional HVAC installation.
Comfort: When a system isn’t correctly installed it will not be able to perform properly. This will translate into a lower level of indoor comfort because the system will be incapable of delivering the appropriate amounts of treated air throughout your home.
Energy Efficiency: A new HVAC system needs to be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and if it isn’t the energy efficiency can be compromised. This can be especially annoying if you have purchased a system based upon high SEER, AFUE, HSPF or EER ratings. If you have paid a premium to get the best energy efficiency and your system is underperforming because of a bad installation, you will lose money on higher energy bills.
Service Life: When a system is installed badly, it can seriously affect the service life. A poorly installed system is more likely to fail earlier because the system will have to work harder to compensate. As the system tries to work correctly, it will be operating under unnecessary additional stress that will consume more energy and cause components to wear out faster. This will eventually lead to an increase in breakdowns and in extreme cases even a system failure. An HVAC system should last between 10-15 years, but a badly installed system could fail earlier, and it will be expensive if you have to replace the unit earlier than you anticipated.