Top HVAC Installation Mistakes to Avoid
A new heating and cooling unit offers many advantages. It promotes the safety of your home. You can also enjoy increased energy efficiency and comfort compared to your old system. You will also notice a boost in productivity and maintain good health. However, an improper HVAC installation can lead to a nightmare. You will face problems, such as:
- Poor indoor air quality
- High energy bills
- Uneven temperatures
- Frequent repairs
- Short HVAC service life
- And more
Hire a trained and certified HVAC technician to ensure correct and safe installation. In this article, we discuss some of the common issues associated with bad HVAC installs.
Top HVAC Installation Mistakes To Avoid
Contents
- 1 Top HVAC Installation Mistakes To Avoid
- 1.1 1. Choosing Incorrect HVAC Size
- 1.2 2. Keeping The Old Ductwork
- 1.3 3. Bad HVAC Duct Installation Techniques
- 1.4 4. Poorly Designed HVAC Drainage System
- 1.5 5. Incorrect Venting Of Toxic Gases
- 1.6 6. Improper Heating & Cooling System Placement
- 1.7 7. Neglecting Clearance Around The Condenser
- 1.8 Conclusion
- 2 Call Townsend Energy For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
By being aware of common HVAC installation mistakes, you can prevent them from happening in your home. Read on to find out everything you need to know.
1. Choosing Incorrect HVAC Size
People often think that having a larger HVAC size means it is better. As a result, they buy the biggest one they can afford, thinking it is a good investment. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth.
You need to have the right size for your system to work optimally. A trained and experienced contractor will perform complex calculations to find the projected load. This calculation factors in your home’s total floor area, ceiling height, insulation, building materials, regional climate, and more. This lets you know how much power is needed for your system to efficiently and effectively cool or heat your home. The worst-case scenario is having an HVAC contractor make faulty size recommendations that are based on inaccurate generalizations.
2. Keeping The Old Ductwork
Most homeowners keep the old ducts even after installing a new HVAC unit. This isn’t always fitting as the ductwork could be incompatible with your new system, especially if you changed the HVAC size of your new one. The old ductwork could be too small, which could lead to inefficient airflow. Also, if the ducts have been in place for decades, they most likely have leaks, mold, clogs, and other problems. The original layout and design might also not allow for the optimal distribution of conditioned air. Consider installing new ducts that are designed and installed by a reliable professional.
3. Bad HVAC Duct Installation Techniques
Some contractors can design economical and logical ductwork layouts. However, they might utilize bad HVAC duct installation techniques because they want the job done immediately or lack experience. For example, the gaps in the ductwork might have been sealed using tape when this is only meant to be a temporary remedy. The tape will deteriorate soon, causing leaks. The system’s efficiency will then be reduced significantly, and you’ll pay more on your monthly energy bills. Hire a reputable HVAC company like Townsend Energy so you can be sure that they use high-quality sealants and materials.
4. Poorly Designed HVAC Drainage System
Air conditioning systems generate moisture around the coils from condensation. The HVAC technician should make sure that the water is drained properly from the system. If it isn’t, the water will spill over the system and other parts of the house. Keep in mind that this creates an environment that promotes mold and mildew to grow. In turn, a foul smell will circulate your home. The floors and drywall can also end up damaged. Do it right at the onset to keep these problems from occurring. A professional HVAC contractor will know what to do.
5. Incorrect Venting Of Toxic Gases
The HVAC installation should include proper venting. After all, your system emits toxic gases like carbon monoxide during fuel combustion. This isn’t an issue as long as you have an adequate exhaust system in place. It will push these gases out of the house immediately. However, if it isn’t installed properly, the harmful gases can end up inside your home. It is recommended that you install carbon monoxide alarms and detectors as CO is a colorless and odorless gas. Ask your HVAC technician about combustion safety to help you determine how they can implement it in your home correctly.
6. Improper Heating & Cooling System Placement
Some HVAC mistakes are completely avoidable if you hire a reputable HVAC contractor. For example, the placement of your new unit should be verified properly. It shouldn’t just be placed where your old unit used to be located because you might end up repeating the same mistakes. This includes shielding the air conditioner condenser from direct sunlight to prevent overworking the system. The same should be done for the thermostat. If it is near windows or other sources of heat, it will have faulty readings. An experienced professional will find the best location for your HVAC equipment and its components.
7. Neglecting Clearance Around The Condenser
The condenser requires ample space around its perimeter to work optimally. However, rush HVAC installations often neglect this. The contractor might only end up giving the condenser a few inches of breathing space on all sides. Professionals recommend at least two feet of space around it to allow good air intake and efficiency. Do not let this mistake happen as it leads to high energy consumption. Your system might also suffer from premature wear and tear. As a homeowner, you should maintain this clearance by keeping objects away and trimming the plants near it.
Conclusion
HVAC installation errors happen more often than homeowners think. Experienced contractors are frequently called in to remedy the mistakes of amateur technicians who didn’t install the system properly. Make the right decisions from the start and prevent paying more than necessary. Now that you know what to watch out for, hire a certified and trained contractor with the best reputation in your area.
Call Townsend Energy For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
Townsend Energy offers high-quality heating and cooling services in Northeastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Maine. We have the best professionally certified and trained technicians for all your excellent HVAC service needs. All our techs have the knowledge and experience to correctly conduct maintenance, repair, installation, and replacement to any HVAC system.
Our company guarantees affordable and competitive HVAC service rates. We have tune-up services that can improve your comfort, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. If you need a repair or replacement HVAC system, our techs can recommend the best solutions that fit your needs and budget. We back all of our work with a guarantee because your satisfaction is our priority. Call Townsend Energy today to schedule a service appointment. We offer free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now at (800) 722-4101 to find out more!