To maintain a consistent indoor temperature all year round, we’ve come to rely on our HVAC systems. Being warm throughout the winter and cool during the summer months is a priority for many new homeowners. But, an HVAC system is complex, there are many factors to consider and it’s easy to make a mistake during an installation. In this article, we will take a closer look at five HVAC installation mistakes that you need to avoid.
1. Choosing an Inexperienced Contractor
When you choose a contractor for any work, it makes good sense to select a company with a good reputation, experience, and the skills to complete the work to a high standard. This is very applicable when it comes to choosing an HVAC company to work in your home. After all, your HVAC system represents a significant investment, it can be damaged during an installation and this can have a dramatic effect on the performance and energy efficiency.
Some homeowners try a DIY approach or they hire a “handyman” to work on their HVAC systems. This is a bad idea, the complexity of the task requires a formally trained and competent technician to complete the work safely. When you choose an HVAC company, get at least three quotes and don’t choose the lowest automatically. We all like to save money, but spending less on inferior work doesn’t make much sense. It’s an equally bad idea to spend too much for the same level of work and it’s easy to feel ripped off later. Choose the middle ground, go with the company that offers a fair and reasonable quote for the HVAC installation. Before you make a final decision look for testimonials and reviews of the company and make sure they are licensed and certified to work in your area.
2. Choosing Incorrectly Sized HVAC Units
Many homeowners simply purchase the largest HVAC units they can afford believing that size equates to performance. But, this is not true, if you install HVAC units that are too large or too small you will compromise the performance and energy efficiency of your system. Other problems can occur, including hot and cold spots, earlier than expected replacement, frequent repairs, and short cycling. When an HVAC unit is installed it needs to be carefully matched to the space and this is worked out with a complex load calculation.
There are free load calculation tools available online, but they are purely based on the dimensions of your rooms. But, there are other factors that are important, including insulation levels, airflow patterns, home orientation, the number of windows, and many more. An accurate load calculation will include all these factors, this is a complex process and you need to get an HVAC professional to do this work for you. When you fully understand your HVAC needs you can make informed decisions and the HVAC technicians can recommend specific units to meet your needs.
3. Choosing a Cheap HVAC System
Everyone likes a bargain, but investing your money in a cheap HVAC system can be a bad investment in the medium to long term. Cheaper heating and cooling equipment can be prone to failure and it may have a shorter useful lifespan. These problems are caused by lower quality components that are manufactured with cheaper materials. Everyone has a budget, it may not be possible to get everything you want and there may be some pinch points. But, you need to avoid the marketing hype, there are features you need and others that are nice to have if you want them. Make some notes about the prices of new HVAC systems and don’t forget to factor the installation costs into your final budget. If you need some advice on an HVAC system contact your local heating and cooling specialist today.
4. Running the HVAC System 24/7
Like any complex system, your heating and cooling equipment does need some occasional downtime. Running your HVAC system 24/7 doesn’t make much sense when your home is empty and it wastes a lot of energy. Overworking the system will also cause damage leading to frequent repairs and it can lead to an earlier than expected replacement. Running a system at a lower level for longer periods can be an energy efficient approach, but it’s hard to keep track of the temperature accurately. One of the best ways to control and track your entire HVAC system is to install a smart thermostat. This unit will allow you to track your system remotely via WiFi and you can make adjustments in real time. If you want to install a smart thermostat in your home contact your local certified HVAC specialist today.
5. Relying on a Failing Air Distribution System
The design and layout of your air distribution system can have a huge impact on the performance and efficiency of your new heating and cooling system. If you’re installing a new HVAC system with a pre-existing ductwork system, they may not be a good fit. The main reason may be the condition of the ductwork and the escape of air through cracks and leaks. When air is lost in this way it reduces the energy efficiency and you pay for energy that you are not using to heat and cool your home.
A DIY fix using duct tape can only be a temporary fix and it’s no excuse for a professional repair. The airflow must be kept in mind when you consider other key factors, such as insulation levels, sealing ducts, adding ceiling diffusers, and more. Persisting with an aging ductwork system is a bad idea and in many cases, it’s cheaper to install a new ductwork system. Before you get a new HVAC system installed contact your local heating and cooling specialist for expert help and advice.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are a number of HVAC installation mistakes that you need to avoid. These potential mistakes can be avoided if you choose a local certified heating and cooling specialist to install your system. If you involve a heating and cooling specialist at an early stage they can help you to choose the ideal system to meet all your needs.