HVAC Considerations for Home Renovations
Whether you are in the early stages of a home renovation or already in the thick of it, you know how much planning is required to create the living space of your dreams. You probably envision the color of the walls, the fixtures, and all the beautiful future additions to the space. While aesthetic upgrades are fun, beginning the process from the ground up when renovating is crucial. By that, we mean considerations like plumbing, electrical, insulation, and our specialty, HVAC.
The last thing you want is to create a room that's perfect in nearly every way, only to find it lacking in comfort. Neglecting HVAC considerations at the start of your renovation process can lead to discomfort, energy inefficiencies, and potentially expensive modifications. But don't fret; we'll help you gain the knowledge you need to make sure your renovated space becomes your happy place.
Assess Your Current HVAC System
Before you dive in, it's essential that you take the existing HVAC system into account. You must understand the capacity of your current system and see if it is compatible with the renovated area. Additionally, this is a great time to get any repairs done, upgrade your old equipment, or buy a new system if you're in the market. Here are three common scenarios that arise:
Scenario One: If you have a ducted system, your first option is to expand your current system. Ductwork and vents will need to be added to the renovated space. If the area is large, you may need to upgrade your HVAC equipment to a higher capacity to suit the size of the entire home, including the addition.
Scenario Two: If you have a ducted system, your second option is to add a ductless mini-split system that can heat or cool just the addition. In this scenario, the installation would be much faster, and this system would allow you to control the renovated area’s temperature individually, which is especially helpful if it's a basement or attic with unique temperature requirements. However, some find that the indoor handler required for a ductless system differs from what they are looking for aesthetically.
Scenario Three: If you already have a ductless mini-split system for the rest of your home, you can expand this system to heat and cool the addition. If your outdoor unit can handle the extra indoor handler(s), you can install more in your new space(s). However, in some cases, your outdoor handler may not have the necessary capacity for the extra load and you might need to upgrade that system or install a second outdoor handler.
What You'll Want to Discuss with Your HVAC Technician
You may have some understanding of your HVAC system already. Still, it's always best to consult a professional who can inspect your system, accurately assess your situation, and recommend how to move forward with your renovation project. A trained professional will likely give you the best advice on improving energy efficiency while staying within your budget.
Proper Sizing of HVAC Equipment:
An oversized unit will lead to excessive energy consumption, and an undersized unit will struggle to meet your renovated space's heating and cooling demands. HVAC professionals can perform load calculations to determine the correct size of HVAC equipment needed for your newly expanded home.
Insulation:
There is only so much your HVAC system can do if your home isn't adequately insulated. Without proper insulation, your system will strain to heat and cool the space due to air escaping and entering through the walls and roof. Proper insulation is essential in regulating temperature. Enough insulation will ensure that your energy bills stay low and your system will last for its entire expected lifetime.
Ductwork Modifications:
Planning for ductwork modifications is critical to ensure your HVAC system adequately serves the updated space. If plans aren't well executed, the rearranging of walls and additions to the overall square footage can disrupt airflow throughout the home and make your HVAC system less efficient.
Ventilation:
Many renovated spaces, such as attics and basements, don't have sufficient ventilation. Adding ventilation is essential to maintain healthy indoor air quality levels.
Updating your home is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming. Ensuring each step of the way has been planned and executed by professionals to ensure your vision come to fruition should make the process less stressful and the final result worth all your efforts!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
Whether you need 24-7 emergency service or a solution to improve your indoor comfort—at home and work—call us at 781-224-2400 or submit a convenient contact form.