Top HVAC Installation Mistakes to Avoid
New HVAC systems help improve our lives. It increases comfort, promotes good health, boosts productivity, reduces energy costs, and more. However, it becomes a nightmare when you’re facing an improper HVAC installation. You will face problems, such as poor indoor air quality, uncomfortable spaces, and higher energy bills. Your system might also need to be repaired frequently, or worse, it might require an early HVAC replacement. Choose a reliable and certified HVAC contractor to ensure you get good results. A homeowner can help by understanding the most common HVAC installation mistakes so they can be avoided.
Top HVAC Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Contents
- 1 Top HVAC Installation Mistakes to Avoid
- 1.1 Choosing The Wrong Size Heating & Cooling System
- 1.2 Keeping The Old HVAC Ductwork
- 1.3 Bad HVAC Duct Installation Techniques
- 1.4 Poorly Designed HVAC Drainage System
- 1.5 Incorrect Venting Of Toxic Gases
- 1.6 Improper Heating & Cooling System Placement
- 1.7 Neglecting Clearance Around The Condenser
- 1.8 Conclusion
- 2 Call R.F. Ohl For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
Read on to learn all you need to know about the common HVAC installation mistakes.
Choosing The Wrong Size Heating & Cooling System
Many homeowners think that a bigger HVAC size performs better. They think that the biggest system they can get their hands on is a good investment. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. The projected load dictates the right size you need. The best heating and air conditioning contractors will conduct complex calculations that include the total interior floor area, the house’s orientation, the ceiling height, the regional temperatures, the shade from nearby trees or structures, and more. This allows you to know the exact amount of power your system needs to cool or heat your home. The worst HVAC contractors make faulty recommendations using inaccurate rules of thumb.
Keeping The Old HVAC Ductwork
Using your old ducts even after a new heating and cooling unit were installed can save you money. However, this isn’t ideal all the time. The ducts could be incompatible, especially if the size of your air conditioner or furnace were changed. Efficient airflow might not be possible because the old ducts are too small. If the ducts were installed decades ago, there’s a good chance they have mold, dirt, and leaks, among other issues. The original design might not be optimal for the proper circulation of conditioned air throughout your home as well. Consider getting a trusted HVAC contractor to design and install new ducts for you.
Bad HVAC Duct Installation Techniques
Designing and executing are two different tasks. Some HVAC contractors can develop economical and sound designs that should work well on paper. However, they might use bad installation techniques because they lack experience or want to finish the job as quickly as possible. For instance, they might seal gaps with tape when this should only be a temporary fix. The leaks will start again after a while, and the system’s efficiency will significantly drop. You’ll end up with higher monthly bills. Therefore, ensure you hire a reputable HVAC company like R.F. Ohl, so you are certain that they use only high-quality sealants and materials.
Poorly Designed HVAC Drainage System
Air conditioning units generate moisture around their coil because of condensation. This water should be collected and drained away from the system. If not, the water could spill over to your house. It can also cause mold and mildew to grow. As time passes, the flooring and drywall can also get damaged. Bacteria thrives in damp spaces and results in a foul smell permeating your home. It is better when the installation is done correctly at the onset, so all these problems are avoided. An experienced HVAC professional should be able to help you.
Incorrect Venting Of Toxic Gases
HVAC installation includes proper venting so that the toxic gasses the system produces during combustion are released properly. Carbon monoxide is an example of these hazardous gasses your furnace can generate. It isn’t an issue as long as the exhaust system immediately pushes the toxic gasses out of the house. However, faulty installation can cause these harmful gasses to be released inside your home instead. Therefore, you should have carbon monoxide detectors so you can be warned in case it happens. CO2 is an odorless and colorless gas, so it is hard to detect without this device. Ask your HVAC installation contractor about combustion safety to determine if they can implement it correctly.
Improper Heating & Cooling System Placement
Some mistakes can be avoided easily when you have an HVAC contractor who pays attention. For instance, they shouldn’t just place another unit where the old HVAC system used to be. They should verify the location first to ensure it is the proper one. Otherwise, they could be repeating the same mistake instead of correcting it. For instance, the air conditioner condenser should be shielded from the sun as much as possible. Less direct sunlight places less burden on the system. The same should be done for the thermostat as well. A thermostat near windows will suffer from faulty sensor readings and could heat the house more than necessary. An experienced installer will determine the best place to install your HVAC unit.
Neglecting Clearance Around The Condenser
The condenser requires breathing space for optimal performance. Unfortunately, the condenser doesn’t always get the space it needs with rush installations. The contractor might only give it several inches of clearance around it when experts recommend at least two feet on all sides. This is required to ensure good air intake and maximum energy efficiency. Prevent this mistake so that the system doesn’t consume more energy than it needs or hasten its wear and tear. The homeowner should maintain this clearance after installation. Make sure to keep objects away and trim any nearby plants.
Conclusion
Mistakes during HVAC installation are more common than you might think. Experienced HVAC contractors are frequently called in to repair the mistakes amateur contractors make when installing the system. Don’t let this happen to you, as you’ll end up doubling your service expenses. Make the right decisions from the get-go. Find a certified and reputable contractor in your area now that you know what to watch out for.
Call R.F. Ohl For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
Do not hesitate to call R.F. Ohl when you need superior heating and cooling services in the Poconos and the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. We have the best professionally certified technicians on staff who can provide you with top-notch HVAC replacements, installations, repairs, and maintenance. All our skilled techs have the knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system correctly.
Rest assured, we have the most competitive HVAC service rates in the area. Our tune-up services can enhance your comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency while reducing your energy costs. If you need to repair or replace your HVAC system, we can recommend the best and most budget-friendly one for your home. We back all our work with a guarantee. To book your next service appointment, call R.F. Ohl today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.