4 Things To Consider When Creating A Home HVAC Plan
HVAC systems aim at providing a comfortable environment in your home by regulating room temperature. The system ensures that harsh weather conditions don’t affect your space. There are many HVAC systems available, each designed to meet specific needs. Therefore, choosing the right HVAC system for your home is essential. This article will take you through the crucial factors to consider as you select a home HVAC system that will run efficiently.
Consider the following when creating your home HVAC plan:
1. Types of HVAC Systems
Being knowledgeable of the different types of HVAC systems and how they work is the first step to find the right HVAC for your home. Knowing what HVAC system to use can also help you come up with a more efficient HVAC plan. The most common systems are:
- Traditional Split System
This system separates the cooling and heating system into two units. The cooling system is usually located in the exterior and uses compressors, coils, and refrigerants to maintain cool temperatures. The heating system uses a gas furnace to generate heat and is placed in a storage space in your home; a fan is used to distribute heat all-round the house. The traditional split system is regulated with a thermostat.
- Hybrid Split System
The hybrid system works the same way as a traditional split system. But instead of a gas furnace, the heating system of a hybrid split system uses an electrical one. An electrically powered system runs quietly and efficiently while a gas-powered one works at a faster rate but won’t be as efficient.
- Packaged HVAC System
This system works as one unit, unlike the split system that has the heating and cooling units separate. A packaged system can be stored in the upper areas of your home. It’s therefore convenient if your house is small. The packaged system works best in climates that are warm since their heating systems aren’t as effective in comparison with other HVAC systems.
- Duct-Free System
The duct-free system allows for individual placing of HVAC systems in different rooms, based on their temperature needs. So, instead of having a system for your whole house, you only install them where you need them, leaving out areas that you don’t need to condition or regulate temperatures. This saves a lot of energy and reduces your energy bills. It’s however an expensive system in comparison with the others.
2. Budget
Different HVAC systems are available at different prices, depending on their size and performance. It might be cheaper to acquire an HVAC system initially, but its running and maintenance costs increase with each passing year. Acquiring the most efficient choice for your home despite its cost is what you should aim at achieving. The cheapest option isn’t always the best option. Choose a system that is cost-efficient without compromising on its efficiency, and whose maintenance cost is low in the long run.
3. Home Insulation And Floor Space
You must also consider the thermal performance of your home. This is the ability of your home to retain heat in its surroundings. Many factors affect thermal performance, such as the materials used to build your house. Different materials have different insulation properties. Adding insulation to your walls, roof or ceiling, ensures your HVAC system runs efficiently without any struggle. In addition, you must consider the size of your home with regard to available space that can host the HVAC system. If your home has no adequate space, consider a small-sized system that operates as one unit, such as a packaged HVAC system.
4. Ductwork
Ducts are necessary to ensure that cool or warm air from your HVAC system can be distributed around your home. Hence, you must be mindful of the ductwork when you’re creating a home HVAC plan. Make sure the ductwork is well placed for the whole house to be conditioned effectively. Always check that the ductwork doesn’t pass through several corners or bends, or it may compromise efficient airflow. If the presence of ducts doesn’t sit well with you, especially due to aesthetic reasons, select a system that’s ductless. A duct-free system, as previously discussed, allows you to only place it in the rooms where you need temperature control. This eliminates and reduces the amount of ductwork needed.
Takeaway
Creating an HVAC plan for your home shouldn’t take much time with the guide and considerations given by this article. If you think you need more help, you may consult an HVAC system provider to assess your home’s condition and advise you accordingly. Seeking assistance from the experts to ensure that systems are put up properly is necessary for maximum efficiency.
About the author
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