Your HVAC unit is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home.
It can also be one of the priciest, which is why it’s important to make sure your HVAC unit is installed properly. There are several HVAC installation mistakes that can keep your equipment from working the way it should.
So let’s look at the six common mistakes, and see what steps you can take to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Size
Call it the Goldilocks Problem—HVAC unit sizes must be specially tailored to your home.
So, for instance, if your HVAC unit is too small for your house, it’s never going to cool it properly, wasting energy and money. Likewise, an HVAC unit that’s too large is a waste of money, and that constant turning on and off will wear out the system.
Avoid this problem by hiring an HVAC installation service to determine the appropriate HVAC unit designs for your home.
2. Running the Unit Continuously
This is one of those HVAC installation mistakes that’s easy to avoid.
Have your HVAC company fix you up with a programmable thermostat to regulate your usage. It’s unnecessary to have the unit running all day long, especially when you’re not there. A good thermostat increases the unit’s efficiency and cuts back on energy bills.
3. Picking a Subpar Installer
Going cheap and nasty is never a smart idea.
This is particularly true when choosing an HVAC installation service. Finding the company with the lowest installation prices may save you money in the short term, but it’ll cost you in the long term.
Research reviews for any prospective installer, compare the cost of installation with other service providers and look for any hidden or surprise fees that might be lurking in a company’s prices.
4. Not Letting Your HVAC Unit Breathe
It’s important to maximize airflow to your HVAC system.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that many homeowners want to conceal their units behind vegetation, to hide the often unsightly machinery. But this is a mistake.
Improve air distribution by placing the unit somewhere open, with lots of space above and around it. Too much shrubbery blocks airflow and can clog the system with debris.
Also, ensure that heat registers and return grilles are free of obstructions.
5. Incorrect Thermostat Placement
This might not seem like a big deal, but the improper placement of the thermostat can throw your whole system out of whack.
For instance, if your thermostat is near a window that receives constant sunlight in the afternoon, this could skew its readings. This will cause your unit to work harder, which is inefficient and a waste of money.
A good HVAC installation service will determine the correct placement area for your thermostat.
6. Incompatible Ductwork
Don’t neglect the ductwork—after all, it’s an integral part of your HVAC system.
The HVAC unit may do all the hard work, but none of that matters if the air distribution network in your home is leaky or poorly designed. So make sure your ductwork is free of leaks and is compatible with the type of HVAC unit you wish to install.
Invest in efficient ceiling diffusers, and other distribution equipment, to maximize your airflow.
Avoid These HVAC Installation Mistakes
Installing a new HVAC system is a major investment. Make your life easier, and get it right the first time, by not making these HVAC installation mistakes.
Do it the right way, by hiring a good installer, and using the right equipment. Your HVAC unit is too important to leave to chance.
