As you plan to install a new HVAC unit, you need to understand the current state of your home, the sort of HVAC unit you want, and how to install the system. Use the tips below to ensure that you get the best results. You can do much of this work on your own, but you may need to turn to a professional from time to time.
5 Key Considerations When You Install a HVAC Unit
1. What Sort Of HVAC Unit Have You Purchased?
When you install a HVAC unit, you must decide on a whole house system or ductless units. When you do not have ductwork in the house, you must use ductless units in each room. If you like, you can pay a professional to add ducts to the home, vents to every room, and center those ducts around the utility room. This process is very expensive, and you may not want to spend that much money.
You need to decide on oil, gas, or electric heat. Your air conditioning will run on electricity no matter what you do. However, you can choose gas or oil heat instead of electricity. Some people prefer oil heat because they already have an oil tank on the property. Some people prefer gas heat because they know it will heat very quickly, but you need a professional to install the pipes and fittings for oil or gas heat. You do not have the technical expertise or certification to do such a thing.
If you decide on an electric furnace, you can install, wire, and test the system on your own. You should measure the space where the furnace will sit to ensure that it will fit. You must also leave room for the ducts that will attach to the furnace. You need room on the side of the furnace for the blower, and you should make room for a humidifier or dehumidifier if you would like to install one at that time.
2. How Do You Choose A Condenser?
The condenser for your air conditioner will sit outside the house. You must check your local building code to ensure that you do not install the device too close to the house. The condenser must sit on a flat surface like a concrete slab, and it should be bolted to the slab. Heavy winds, rain, and runoff could push the condenser off the base, damage the system, and cause a hazardous situation.
The condenser must be as close to the furnace as possible. You will drill a small hole in the side of the house, and that hole will be used to feed the hoses for the AC into the house. The condenser will create a cool gas that is vaporized and blown over the blower inside the house.
You can wire the condenser outside, or the power wiring may go inside to a plug or circuit that is close to the furnace. Ensure that the wires for the condenser do not hang low in your basement or crawl space, and ensure that you test the power for the condenser before you continue with the installation.
3. Choose A Quality Thermostat
A quality thermostat is often more important than anything else in the house. You can use a modern thermostat that keeps your home at a moderate temperature at all times, and you can control the heat or AC with your phone. This is especially important if you often travel, leave the house for work every day, or do not want to get out of bed to change the heat or AC. Setting up the programs on your phone is far simpler than using the thermostat on the wall, and you will save money every month.
Traditional thermostats are not as accurate or efficient as a modern unit. You may have installed a very expensive HVAC system in your house, and you should not manage that system with an old thermostat that does not even use battery power. To confirm the quality of your HVAC, you can consult with Champion Air.
4. Do You Have Solar Panels?
If you have solar panels, you should use electric heating. You will pay almost nothing to run the air conditioner throughout the summer, and you will pay very little to heat the house in the winter. This could be especially important if you live in a place where it gets very cold in the winter. You do not need to worry about gas bills or oil deliveries. You may also consider adding extra solar panels to the house so that you have an electrical surplus throughout the year.
5. Test Your System Regularly
The system may turn on and off on its own because you are using a programmed thermostat. You may, however, not notice when the system is not working properly. Take some time once a week to turn on the heat and air. Hold your hand up to a vent to ensure that you get hot or cold air, and check the furnace if there are problems.
You can check the front panel of the furnace for any warning lights, and you can check the outdoor condenser for leaks or damage. You should also check the drip pan around the device for any leaks or condensation that may spill out of the unit. Ensure that you have turned off the circuit breaker for each device before you check it. You can turn the power back on when you believe the problem has been solved. If you have a problem with the gas line or oil hoses, you should contact a professional for help.
Conclusion
Managing your HVAC system is very simple if you have installed it and understand how it works. Remember that you do not have the expertise or licensing needed to service oil or gas lines. If you use electric heat and air conditioning, you can do everything by yourself. When you choose your device, you can install it, have ducts added if needed, or purchase ductless devices. You can improve the efficiency of the house, and you will keep everyone comfortable.
