Home HVAC Replacement – Modernize

All About HVAC Replacement

An HVAC system is one of the most hard working units in residential homes. No matter the type of system currently installed in your home, there comes a time when the unit needs to be replaced. This may be due to the age of the unit, damage that is beyond repair, or youve decided to upgrade to a larger or more energy efficient system, or downgrade to a smaller system to provide more in-depth coverage.

HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation and air conditioning so, when you are considering replacing your current system, there is more than one area to think about.

By asking the right questions before replacing, youll be better informed about what to expect when selecting a system that can handle the needs of your homes square footage.

Knowledge is power and when it comes to selecting the right HVAC system, you want to be armed with a complete set of information. With this comprehensive list of things to cover before making a decision about your HVAC system, you wont be in the dark about the direction you should take to supply adequate coverage for your home.

It is recommended when replacing one part of the system, whether the compressor or the air handler, to update both systems and, at a minimum, have the ductwork inspected in case it needs replacing. Although only one part of your system may need replacing, its recommended that you replace the entire system to maintain maximum system efficiency. Replacing the entire system means spending more money upfront but youll save money in the long run because your entire system will be in sync.

It may be time to upgrade or downsize in order to get the optimum in heating and cooling. For example, if your current system is too large for the square footage of your home, regulating the temperature and the humidity level will be difficult,resulting in higher energy costs. On the reverse side, a system that is too small for the square footage of your home cant produce the right temperature levels especially during extreme hot or cold weather.

It is necessary to figure out the load capacity needed for your home. With the expert help of a contractor, the calculation will provide the information necessary to choose the right size equipment as well as the amount of air that needs to be distributed to each room.

There are a few basic things to consider when shopping for a new system whether youre replacing a heat pump using a back-up furnace or boiler, or a split-system heat pump powered by electricity.

Two main points are cost and efficiency determined by standard ratings.

As noted, a licensed contractor is a requirement fora home air conditioninginstallation. You hire a certified professional for two good reasons. First, the contractor is responsible for determining the load capacity necessary to adequately heat and cool your home. The contractor will do the calculations to determine the size of the unit needed as well as the distribution of the air to cover each room.

Second, once the size is determined, the contractor will suggest types of systems, explain how each works, help you make the right choice, and then do the installation.

Here are a few tips to help you hire the right contractor for your HVAC replacement project.

Once the list of contractors has set an appointment to check your home and provided estimates, take the next step in ensuring each contractor is legitimate by doing a background check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB.) The bureau will have information about issues, complaints, or law suits on file and readily available for you to read.

If youre replacing the HVAC system, a major goal of the unit should be conserving energy and cutting costs. Not only do you want a HVAC system that accommodates the square footage of your home, you want it to do so without unnecessary stress and strain. This means, tuning up your home to reduce the cost of running the system. Improvements can include easy do-it-yourself projects such as caulking cracks around windows and doors, sealing crevices around the door frame, addressing gaps at door thresholds, and insulation.

With your home tight and secure from incoming drafts or from loss of heat or cold, its possible you can have a smaller HVAC system installed.

Unless you have the credentials and the proper license, the answer is no. Installing, repairing, or replacing a HVAC system requires the knowledge, know-how, and applicable license do to the job properly. Depending on the state you live in, at a minimum, a building permit is a requirement before a replacement HVAC is installed. If you need a permit and fail to comply, it can cost you monetarily in fines as well as the unit being removed and reinstalled by a licensed contractor who applies for and receives a building permit.

Like any major appliance, maintenance is required to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. With a HVAC system, there are a few things, you as the homeowner, can do that dont require any technical knowledge or experience.

Regardless of the reason for replacing a HVAC system, it is a big investment. To receive the best return of investment, replacing a current unit with one that is of equal or better standing in terms of SEER and HSPF ratings will save you money. Along with the right HVAC system designed to fit your needs, having the unit installed and maintained by a qualified professional will also save you money and energy.

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Home HVAC Replacement - Modernize