HVAC Efficiency: Proper Installation Is Key

Chances are you’re in for a big uptick in efficiency when you replace your old HVAC system with a new one – but only if your new equipment is installed properly.

That’s why installing a new HVAC system is a job for experienced, well-trained professionals – not weekend-warrior handymen or small-time contractors.

To do the job right, your heating and cooling contractor needs to understand how to install today’s sensitive, high tech HVAC equipment so that it complies with all building codes and safety standards while also maximizing efficiency; if he doesn’t, it could cost you much more than a few dollars on your monthly energy bill, since poorly installed systems can pose risks of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and other dangers.

The costs of improper HVAC installation

How can improper installation keep you from enjoying the benefits of a new home cooling or heating system? Here are a few of the biggest ways:

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 not only be less comfortable than you should be, you’ll also wear out your equipment prematurely (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 local weather, 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 A/C 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 A/C 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 A/C 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, with modifications made as needed; 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 Dixon Energy.

For expert home heating and cooling installations in New Jersey, trust the pros at Dixon Energy. Contact us today to learn more about our expert HVAC installation services in NJ, or to get a FREE, no obligation estimate on a heating or cooling system for your home.