Why proper Installation is the key to better HVAC efficiency

Posted: July 01, 2018

It’s a time most homeowners dread, but all know will eventually come: the time to replace your home HVAC system. The good news is that when that time comes, you’re likely in for a big time upgrade on efficiency compared to your old forced air system –but only if your equipment is installed properly.

That’s why installing a new HVAC system is a job for well-trained professionals – not the casual handyman or small-time contractor.

To do the job right, your contractor needs to understand how to install your heating and cooling equipment not simply to get the best performance from it, but also to be compliant with all building codes and safety standards. If they don’t do the job right, it could cost you much more than a few dollars on your monthly energy bill, since poorly installed systems can pose deadly risks of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and other dangers.

The costs of improper HVAC installation

1. Improper sizing – Right-sizing an HVAC system is vital to getting the most from your new installation: buy equipment that’s too small or too large and you’ll wear it out before its time (a unit that’s too small will overwork; a unit that’s too large will constantly turn on and off, or cycle, which over-taxes the compressor and fan controls).

   The problem is that right-sizing isn’t simply based on the volume of your house, as many less experienced installers would have you believe. You also need to take into account the climate, the style of your home, the number of windows you have, the amount of insulation you’ve installed, the amount of shade your house is exposed to, and more. In short, right-sizing is a complex process that is best left to a professional who will consider all these variables and more to get you the right system for your home.

2. Incorrect refrigerant charging – An undercharged AC unit could develop frost or ice on its cooling coils, which will result in poor cooling performance and could even lead to a worn out compressor motor – a costly and significant HVAC repair. An overcharged system will cool effectively, but not efficiently – a problem you won’t realize until your (unexpectedly high) energy bills arrive.

   Excessive refrigerant pressure could also force coolant into the compressor motor, leading to costly HVAC repairs – or even a permanent system breakdown.

3. Leaky Air Ducts – A recent study showed just how much of the air you paid to cool or heat may never even reach your living space ; in many homes, that conditioned air leaks into your basement, attic and the spaces between your walls, resulting in higher bills for you. That’s why a proper HVAC installation should include an inspection of the duct system. In some cases, that inspection could lead to system-wide efficiency improvements that you didn’t even know were possible.

The bottom line

Correct installation of your heating and cooling equipment will keep your family comfortable and safe for years to come – all while saving money on your monthly bills. When the time comes to replace your HVAC system, do it right – call the pros at P. Gagnon & Son.

For expert installation of home heating and cooling systems in southern Maine and New Hampshire, trust the pros at P. Gagnon & Son – your home comfort experts for more than a century.

Contact us today to learn more about our expert installation services – or to get a FREE, no obligation estimate on a heating or cooling system for your home.