HVAC System Selection

Consider: Space Heating and Cooling, HVAC Selection and Replacement, Fuel & System Types, Sizing Systems, HVAC Inspection and Testing, HVAC and Mechanical Contractors, and Mini Duct Heating and Air Conditioning.

One of the most important yet bothersome areas of service and repair for many homeowners is their HVAC system – heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Climate control systems; an important aspect of new construction, home renovation, and home repair certain to confront every home owner at one time or another. Because principles involved in air conditioner cooling heating systems vary, depending upon the type of cooling and heating system used, a basic understanding how each works is important.

HVAC systems fall into one of two categories; local or central. Local heating is a type of ductless heating system; providing heat to a single, localized area. Local cooling heating sources include fire places, electric radiators, space heaters, window unit air conditioners, pellet and wood stoves, fans, etc.

Central cooling heating systems distribute hot water, steam, or air throughout a structure. This is accomplished through a network of ducts or pipes, depending upon system type. For obvious reasons, cold climate areas most often use central heating as their major heat source. A central cooling heating unit contains a boiler, furnace, or heat pump; to heat water, steam, or air at a centralized location before distribution throughout a building by way of piping or ductwork. Heated water or steam flows from the heat pump, or boiler heating hydronic system into pipes. The pipes connect to a baseboard heating system, convector, or radiator that distributes heat throughout that room. Some systems have one pipe that connects to each fixture; other systems have two.

A central heating system that uses forced air feeds a series of ductwork that connects to vents, strategically placed in the coldest part of the room. This would typically be next to windows to minimize condensation, or along external walls. A second system of ducts circulates cold air back to the furnace. Ventilation exchanges inside air with outside air; removing moisture, odors, airborne bacteria, heat, and smoke. Improving air quality. And, of course, air conditioning helps keep inside air at a comfortable level.

The heating, ventilating, and air conditioning functions associated with HVAC units are all closely interrelated. Combined, they provide a comfortable temperature with sufficient humidity, and improved indoor air quality for suitable indoor living conditions.

Home HVAC Renovation Tips
Planning a home renovation addition or an old home renovation project may require expansion of the HVAC system. Homeowners should keep the following in mind:

• An experienced special trade contractor, such as a heating and air conditioning contractor or heating ventilating contractor, is your best source for understanding the existing central system. He or she can determine if the residential HVAC system needs to be expanded to meet new renovation requirements, or if auxiliary heating and/or cooling appliances would suffice. This could save you a considerable amount of money on overall home renovation cost.
• Even cosmetic alterations to a room, such as the addition of a bay window or change in room shape or size, may require additional heating ducts. Not only for adequate heat, but also to stay in compliance with building codes.
• When making plans to finish off your basement or attic for increased living or work space, consider this. Expanding a forced-air HVAC system in a basement is relatively simple. It usually entails just the addition of a few extra ducts; something a handy do-it-yourself homeowner might be able to accomplish on their own. Running ducts up to the attic, however, would be much more of a challenge.
• Expanding a boiler heating hydronic system requires adding new pipes and fixtures. An experienced local plumber or mechanical HVAC contractor might be your best choice as a service provider.
• As with any home renovation project that alters the structure or home system in any way, such as plumbing and wiring, check with your local building department before beginning work. Make sure you follow local building code criteria, obtain any necessary permits, and have work inspected to ensure your project is code-compliant.
• If your HVAC system will not handle the additional load required to meet your new room addition or home renovation project, and if funds are tight, consider supplemental units. An electric baseboard heater and window unit air conditioner, for instance. Room A/C units usually plug into a 240-volt receptacle; heaters will either plug into a standard 120-volt receptacle, or else can be wired to a 240-volt circuit. While this will be easier and less costly than expanding your residential HVAC system, it might require a new circuit in your electrical panel.

Another alternative to expanding your cooling heating system, and an increasing popular one, is to install a radiant heating system. This system heats using electrical wires or hot-water tubing inserted behind the finish surfaces of walls, ceilings and floors. Large scale installations of this type system are not a diy project; services of a special trade or knowledgeable residential general contractor are required.

The right home improvement products, techniques, and services:
Contractors, home improvement stores, and specialty shops in your area may not yet have a complete familiarity with the ‘green’ opportunities, products, system integration, and overall savings potential. So, you may get some resistance, since people in general are typically more comfortable recommending something that they are already familiar with rather than something new. To help break the inertia, use the information across this website like our Return on Investment Master ROI Table. Also feel free to post a question in our forum on the message board about a particular need for your home relative to your area. Our team has spent multiple years aggregating research from public and private sector performance reports and from manufacturers and homeowners across the country in order to provide you with the perspective you may need to see the initial payback and long term advantages. Environmental enthusiasts and leading institutions like the American Institute of Architects and the National Association of Realtors, see the value and link into our resources to support their members.

The Green Home:
For your overall home improvement, you can save money, improve your family’s health, and save the planet. Find out for free how much it will cost to do different types of home improvement in your home from a qualified and member approved contractor in your area. Get a FREE Quote . Plus, regardless of the size and scope of your home improvement project, save money and keep your home clean with the top rated chemical free and concentrated Green Home Cleaning Products.

Home Improvement Basics:
When it comes to home improvement basics, look for interior home improvements like creating a clean, safe, and healthy home through sustainable ‘green’ furniture, home décor, zero VOC and Interior Paint, plus ENERGY STAR Appliances and Electronics. For energy and utility savings you can focus on insulation and air sealing, windows, doors, lighting and skylights, water saving plumbing opportunities, and high efficiency heating and air conditioning systems. On the outside of your house, look for exterior home improvement opportunities through landscape design and gardening plus solar energy, wind and other power sources. If you are undertaking a major home renovation, an additions, or building a new home, then take the lead to ‘go green’ in as many ways as possible to save money and the environment.