Replacing your old heating and cooling system with new, energy-efficient central heating and air conditioning system is a great start. But to make sure that you get the best performance, the new equipment must be properly installed. This is no gimmick, an improper installed system can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent, costing you more on your utility bills and possibly shortening the equipment’s life.
This article is not intended to scare you, just help you learn more so you can make sure your getting the most for your money!
3 Important Things to Look for with Your New Installation
Proper Sizing of Equipment
Installing the right size equipment for the home is essential to getting the best performance and comfort. Many homeowners believe that bigger the better when buying new heating and cooling equipment. In reality, a system that is too large will not keep your home comfortable.
With over sized system there is a tenancy to frequently turn on and then off. This rapid cycling is also known as Short Cycling. This rapid cycling of the system is from the machine over shooting the adjustments in temperature for your home which leads to decreases in efficiency of the system.
Incorrect sizing can also put stress on system components and shorten the equipment’s life as they are exposed to more frequent rapid changes in temperature.
To ensure proper sizing your contractor should measure your house and perform a Load Calculation to determine the proper size. If the contractor does not measure your home and perform a load calculation, then I would not have this contractor install or service your heating and cooling equipment
Proper Refrigerant Charge
A properly charged system will operate more efficiently and help prolong the life of the heating and cooling system. To ensure the system has the correct amount of refrigerant a contractor must test and confirm that the system is properly charged. If the system is not properly charged the contractor should make the appropriate adjustment by adding or removing refrigerant.
Optimizing Air Flow
If air flow in your heating and cooling system is too high or too low, you may confront problems and higher utility bills very similar to the rapid cycling issue already discussed. A contractor should test air flow and make any needed adjustments for optimal performance. This can be done by slowing down the blower itself, or by putting dampeners on vents through out your home.
MADMAX
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