Steps To Creating An HVAC System For A Home Addition

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When you are looking to add a heating and cooling element to a new home addition, it's often not as easy as simply tacking on additional ducts to your existing HVAC system. Here are some steps to take for a carefully planned HVAC system. 

Consider the Cost of Adding to an Existing System

Your first instinct may be to simply implement additional ductwork to your current HVAC system, but this can sometimes be problematic. First of all, cutting into existing ductwork to add new branches may be expensive because your contractor will have to do a lot of work to access the ductwork and to carefully remove a section without disturbing the existing network. Have your contractor give you an estimate for installing a new, separate HVAC system versus adding to an existing HVAC system so you can make the most informed choice. 

Check the Capacity of Your Heating and Cooling System

Another thing to do if you're considering adding to an HVAC system is to make sure that your existing furnace or air conditioner can handle it. Each AC unit has a specific output, so adding a more complicated network may place strain on your system to cool a much larger space. You might need to consider replacing the furnace or air conditioning unit with a larger and more powerful model before you proceed; ask your HVAC contractor for advice on whether or not your system is past its capacity. 

Consider New Technologies

When you're planning an HVAC expansion, it's a great time to consider what other new technologies you might like to try in your home. For instance, heat pumps can bring natural heat from underground temperatures into your home as an energy-efficient heating method. Geothermal heating elements are another popular item that takes advantage of external temperatures as a heating and cooling measure. These can be considered as a complement or replacement to traditional heating options in your addition and throughout your home. 

As you can see, planning a brand new HVAC system for a home addition has many considerations, and you'll need to decide whether you want to invest the money upfront for a long-lasting system or create a workaround that's more temporary. With a new home addition, you have the option of trying out a completely new heating and cooling system as well; an HVAC contractor from a company like Wright Total Indoor Comfort can help you decide on the best direction for your home. 


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