A quality HVAC system is a necessity for every home in Southern California. It keeps your home perfectly cool when the summer heat beats down and turns it into a warm, cozy haven during the chilly winters.
The key to ensuring your HVAC system runs at peak performance all year round is having a professional HVAC technician handle the installation, repairs, and maintenance processes. While it’s possible to do it yourself and save some money, you’ll sleep better if you leave this project to the professionals. Here are the key factors to consider during an HVAC installation project, and why it’s smarter to hire pro HVAC installers than DIY.
Key Factors to Consider for a Successful HVAC Installation Project
Whether you’re looking for a fresh AC installation or want to replace your old, worn-out heating system, there’s a lot to think about when you want a smooth-sailing HVAC installation:
1. Size of the HVAC System
The size of the heating unit is among the most important factors to consider during HVAC installation projects. It must be properly sized for your home, otherwise, it won’t offer the desired performance.
If the unit is too small, it will have to work twice as hard to cool or heat your home. That means it will be running continuously, causing your energy bills to shoot through the roof and also increase its wear and tear.
If it’s too large, it will cycle on and off frequently, not only undermining its heating and cooling efficiency but also speeding up wear and tear. To identify the right AC unit for your home, a pro HVAC installer usually takes the following into account:
- The size of your home
- The design
- The heat gain
2. Location of Installation
HVAC systems can be pretty noisy. When installed near your sleeping or living areas, this noise can disrupt your sleep and overall sense of comfortable living.
Installing it in an overly bright area affects the system and may even cause it to overheat, while installation in a place with frequent movement increases the risks of damage.
An HVAC system should be installed in an isolated area of your home such as the garage, or a crawl space, where it’s not exposed to outdoor weather and where it can work efficiently without compromising your home’s comfort. That’s why it is beneficial to have a pro HVAC technician do the job. They’ll know the perfect spot for it based on your home’s configuration.
3. Energy Efficiency
An energy-efficient heating and air conditioning unit not only keeps your home comfortable but also helps to keep your energy bills down. Additionally, an energy-efficient system lowers your carbon footprint because it won’t emit harmful gases to the environment.
Most HVAC systems typically have a power rating of about 8 to 11.5. The higher this rating is, the more energy-efficient the unit. Look for the following to determine if an HVAC unit is energy efficient:
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): Choose a system with a SEER rating of at least 13 for excellent energy efficiency and savings.
- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE): This rating system indicates how much energy heating systems consume. As with SEER, the higher the AFUE rating, the more energy-efficient the system.
- Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF): This indicates the efficiency ratings of heat pumps. A high-efficiency heat pump will have an HSPF rating of 8.2 and above.
- Energy star: The energy star program is a collaboration between the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. An energy star on an HVAC unit indicates that it meets the rigorous requirements and standards of energy efficiency and performance.
4. Ductwork
An HVAC system might be highly energy-efficient, but if your ductwork is not up to par, then you’ll still experience inefficient heating and cooling and high energy bills. Old and inadequate ductwork reduces HVAC efficiency by up to 20%, causing energy loss and inefficient heating.
That’s why ductwork is a critical consideration during central air installation. If it’s a fresh HVAC installation, you might need new duct systems, but if it’s an upgrade, ensure you have your existing ductwork checked and have all joints sealed and insulated to ensure no leaks can occur.
DIY vs. Professional HVAC Installation: Which One is Better?
When upgrading or looking to install a new HVAC system, you typically have two options; you could either do it yourself or let the pros do the work. Here are the benefits of hiring a professional:
1. Expert Advice and Dependable Results
A DIY installation might save you a few bucks, but you run the risks of making amateur mistakes that cost you more in the long run. For example, you might select the wrong size of AC unit, which means energy inefficiency and consequently higher energy bills.
When you hire a pro for the job, such risks are eliminated since they’ll conduct an extensive evaluation first, and offer you advice on appropriate HVAC requirements for your home.
2. Eliminate Equipment Costs
HVAC installation projects call for special tools such as:
- Electrical testers
- Hex head nut drivers
- Crescent wrenches
- Caulking gun
- Heavy-duty staple gun
- Pipe wrench
- Crimpers
- Torque wrenches
- Awl
- Coil fin straightener
Most of these tools are quite expensive, and you may never use them again. Professional HVAC technicians already possess the necessary tools, saving you time, headaches, and the expense of having to buy them yourself.
3. Better Prices
When you consult a reputable HVAC company like Home Comfort USA, you’re assured of not only a professional touch, but also reduced HVAC installation costs. This is because HVAC companies usually purchase HVAC units at retail prices. Also, they get better rates because they purchase in bulk.
Other benefits of hiring pros for central air installation include:
- Keeping your warranty intact
- Avoiding property damage
- Protecting you from danger
- Saving you time
- Avoiding costly mistakes
- Peace of mind
Let the Experts from Home Comfort USA Help You
An HVAC system is quite a significant investment. So, if you’re planning on having one installed, it’s critical to ensure it’s done the right way. While you can always do it yourself, you won’t regret hiring a professional HVAC installation company.
Still have questions or concerns about HVAC installation in Southern California?
Fill out our contact form today, and one of our online agents will get back to you. Or give us a call at 1-888-462-0089 for an obligation-free consultation.
