Nearly every home today has an HVAC system. An HVAC unit helps keep temperatures in your home cool during the hot summer months and keeps the interiors warm and cozy during the cold winter. Besides choosing the right size HVAC unit for your home, you must ensure it is properly installed.

That’s because a poorly installed unit may not perform as efficiently as it should and may easily malfunction. However, many things go into properly installing an HVAC system, including your home’s plumbing and electrical work. So, besides hiring an HVAC specialist, you may also need home plumbing and electrical services to ensure your HVAC unit is correctly installed. Below are some of the factors to consider for proper HVAC unit installation:

1. The Size of the HVAC

The first thing to consider when installing an HVAC system is the unit size to purchase. What size of HVAC system to install largely depends on the size of your home. You should install the right size HVAC for your home. This will ensure it efficiently and sufficiently caters to your home’s cooling and heating needs.

Installing the right HVAC size is vital since when it’s larger than what your home needs, it will constantly be switching on and off, resulting in faster wear and tear. And choosing one that’s too small would mean it requires working extra hard and long to efficiently warm or cool your home, leading to increased energy consumption and faster deterioration. Knowing the ideal HVAC size for your home is crucial in determining the right access door and panel size for your HVAC.

2. Electricity Consumption

The power rating of an HVAC system determines its energy efficiency. Most units have a power rating ranging between 8 and 11.5. A higher power rating shows that the unit is more energy efficient. Choosing a more energy-efficient HVAC unit can help dramatically reduce your home’s energy bills.

More energy-efficient systems also tend to be more eco-friendly since they don’t release harmful gasses and chemicals into the air. Most modern ones even come with advanced functions, such as digital temperature control, variable fan speed, and sleep settings, which you can easily adjust to control power consumption. You can ask an HVAC specialist for recommendations so that you can install the most energy-efficient HVAC system.

3. Ductwork Required

Another factor to consider before installing an HVAC unit is the amount of ductwork required. Your duct system is typically responsible for supplying the cooled or heated air throughout your home. You should ensure your ductwork is properly sized and installed, depending on the areas of your home you want to cool or heat.

Dated or inefficient ducts can leak up to 20% of the cooled air into the environment. So, inspect your duct system to ensure all joints are properly sealed to prevent leaks from occurring once you install your HVAC system.

4. Location of Installation

Besides choosing the right HVAC unit size, you should consider the placement of the system inside your home. The ideal place to install your HVAC system will largely depend on your home’s layout and the climatic condition of your area. However, some great areas in your house to install your HVAC unit include the garage, attic, and crawl space. These places are suitable placement areas for your unit since it won’t be exposed to harsh weather.

Additionally, depending on your local regulations and codes, you can install the fan and coil in a closet, basement, or utility room. Make sure you don’t install your unit in high-traffic areas. Instead, consider installing it in an isolated part of your home, where it can run smoothly and efficiently without compromising comfort inside your home.

5. Maintenance Requirements

The average lifespan of most HVAC units can range between 10 to 15 years, depending on the unit you have and your climate. Without regular maintenance, your system may not last that long, especially if it experiences heavy use. A lack of maintenance causes faster wear and tear of components, dramatically reducing your unit’s efficiency and lifespan.

Besides choosing a robust and durable HVAC system, you should determine its maintenance requirements. This will ensure you can meet the standard maintenance requirements necessary for keeping your HVAC unit running safely and efficiently. If you can maintain your chosen unit perfectly, you can then install it in your home. Be sure to also inquire about the unit’s warranty if it fails or malfunctions before it expires.

Endnote

Whether upgrading, adding or installing HVAC in a new home, considering the above mentioned factors will help you choose the right HVAC size and properly install it to ensure it efficiently and sufficiently caters to your home’s heating and cooling needs. Make sure you also perform routine maintenance to prevent small issues from becoming major repairs and prolong your unit’s life.