Remodeling your home can be an excellent opportunity to upgrade an existing air conditioning system. Renovations also sometimes necessitate replacing or upgrading your air conditioner. Adding on extra rooms or changing your home's layout can often alter your cooling needs, forcing you to reconsider your current HVAC setup.
If you're in the process of preparing for a remodel, you shouldn't leave HVAC considerations for the last minute. Instead, keep these three tips in mind as you begin to plan so that you can minimize your future costs.
1. Retrofit Ducts Sooner Rather Than Later
If your remodel includes installing a new central air conditioning system in a home without ducts, then you should plan for this work as early as possible. Retrofitting ductwork into older homes typically involves running ductwork through closets or other hidden areas. In addition to requiring storage space, this process can be destructive, messy, and time-consuming.
Any existing demolition that you perform during your remodel can potentially make it easier to install your ductwork. Ceiling or floor access is particularly useful, since it may allow you to avoid running ducts through existing living or storage space. An HVAC contractor can work with the rest of your remodeling team to help you make the process of retrofitting ducts more efficient.
2. Don't Ignore Changes to Your Cooling Load
It's easy to understand that putting additional square footage onto your house will increase your cooling needs, but changing your interior layout can have an impact as well. Much larger windows can increase the amount of heat in your home from sunlight, for example. Knocking down walls or converting a portion of your home to cathedral-style ceilings can also drastically increase your cooling load.
When you're considering whether you need to replace your existing system, an HVAC installer can help you to conduct a thorough evaluation of your cooling needs based on your renovation plans. Installing a new system, when necessary, should not be treated as a luxury, however. If your old system is no longer meets your home's cooling needs, you can overwork and eventually ruin it.
3. Work With a Professional
Don't assume that your general contractor has adequate experience to deal with HVAC issues. If you're conducting significant renovations to your home, always speak with a qualified HVAC installer. A professional can spot potential problems sooner and use your plans to recommend system changes. If you do need an upgrade, they can guarantee that your new system will effectively meet your needs. For more information about AC installation services, contact a local company, like Arc Electric & Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.
Share21 December 2020
I know it can be difficult to make yourself think about getting your furnace running when the skies are sunny and the temperatures are hovering around 90, but it is the best time for you to think about your heating system. Getting ahead of the winter preparation game will help to save on the cost of the repairs because the need for furnace maintenance is usually at a low during the fall season. This blog will show you what you can do to prepare your furnace for winter and when you should hire a professional HVAC technician to take care of it for you.