More than 5 million heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are sold in the United States every year.
Installing one is an expensive undertaking and involves many important decisions. But, if you’re not an HVAC expert, it can be hard to know what is right for your home.
HVAC installation mistakes could lead to problems and unnecessary expenses down the road.
While you might trust most professional contractors to navigate the ins and outs of HVAC system choices, it is ultimately up to you to decide what is best.
Here are seven common HVAC installation mistakes, and how you can avoid them.
Table of Contents
Using an Unqualified Technician
Having your HVAC system go out in the middle of summer or winter can prompt a sense of urgency.
A handyman may be fine for minor repairs, but they may not be adequate for installing an HVAC system and its many components.
If your HVAC installation is part of a larger renovation, you may be tempted to let your building contractor handle everything.
After all, this could mean discounted pricing across the board. But remember that your HVAC system is complex and needs to be properly installed and configured.
Each home is unique and can present particular challenges. A licensed technician will know how to navigate any problems presented in the installation process.
Finding an HVAC specialist is the first step to ensuring that the right system and components are installed in your home. That’s why collaborating with a reputable company such as eshenaurs.com, for example, is essential.
This will give you the peace of mind that everything is running as efficiently as possible, which can save money and lengthen the life of your system.
Installing the Wrong Sized Unit
Depending on the type of renovation you’re doing, you may need to look at how the layout of your home–including square footage–has changed.
Major alterations will impact the size unit you need, as well as where the ventilation components should be placed throughout your home.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that improperly operated and maintained HVAC systems are a significant factor in indoor air quality problems.
With a major renovation, don’t assume that what worked before will work now. For instance, more energy-efficient windows and doors, or better insulation, could warrant a smaller one.
An oversized unit won’t be able to remove humidity throughout your home and will yield unnecessarily high energy costs.
Discuss any past or intended renovation changes with your HVAC contractor to ensure they’re installing the right unit for your space.
Ignoring Ductwork
Identifying the right size and type of air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump for your home is important.
But the rest of the air distribution system is crucial as well. It determines where the air is pushed out into each room throughout your home.
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of HVAC design or redesign. A common mistake is that a homeowner replaces their unit, but assumes that the old ductwork is suitable.
For starters, duct size must match the output capacity for the unit. Also, old ductwork may have leaks.
These problems can cause your unit to work harder than it needs to, and lead to a shorter lifespan for it.
This doesn’t mean you have to replace the whole network of ducts, wall stacks, or vents. But it is something to have your contractor take a look at.
They can recommend the right commercial products to address any issues or concerns. It could save you a lot of headaches and money in the future.
Overlooking Drainage and Exhaust Systems
This is an aspect of HVAC installation that is also tangential to the main system but is nonetheless imperative for heating and cooling your home.
HVAC systems can create a lot of wastewater, which needs to be routed away from the unit. Accumulated water can lead to mold, or freeze during the winter and cause problems to the system.
HVAC systems also emit gaseous fumes, including toxic ones, like carbon monoxide.
These should be vented to the outside of the building. Exhaust flues or dampers must be the correct size so that fumes are properly routed to the outside of the home.
An experienced contractor will know how important these components are. But it is something you should keep in mind when looking at a complete HVAC install.
Not Going With the Latest Technology
“Stick with what works” may be a good maxim for many things, but HVAC is not one of them.
Advances in heating and air conditioning systems generally means improved performance and energy cost savings. Things like digital controls and innovative designs also mean better comfort.
An HVAC unit that cools certain rooms while heating others would have been unthinkable even 20 years ago.
Today, advanced systems can do just that, and do it more efficiently than ones that are only a few years old.
If you’re going to the trouble of installing a new HVAC system, go with the latest technology. It will pay dividends–both literally and in terms of comfort–in the long run.
Ignoring the Need for Future Maintenance
Even a brand new car needs to have its oil changed on a regular basis. HVAC systems are not unlike other machines. They need upkeep to sustain optimum performance.
Regular servicing and replacement of essential equipment including your HVAC’s 20x25x4 air filter (or whatever size you require) will lengthen the life of your HVAC system. Future servicing is something to ask about before hiring a contractor.
There’s no rule that you have to go with the installer for continued maintenance.
But a contractor who can meticulously design and install your HVAC system will already be knowledgeable of its details and interworkings.
Not Having a Contract in Place
With a major project like HVAC installation, you and your contractor need to be on the same page.
A contract will specify exactly what will be done to your home and the time frame for doing so. It will also layout the costs of the installation, including labor.
It is important to have a contract in place before work begins so that there are no surprises down the road.
Go Forth and Avoid HVAC Installation Mistakes
A reputable contractor will be happy to go over all these issues with you at the outset.
But now you have the knowledge of what to expect with such a major project, including which HVAC installation mistakes to avoid.
We hope this information is useful to you. Be sure to check out our other home improvement blog posts. They include insights into architecture, furniture, appliances, and DIY projects.
