Are all HVAC contractors equally qualified to install your HVAC system? Aris Parviz of Virginia’s Able Air-1, Inc. says, “Definitely not.” According to Parviz, a high percentage of HVAC problems can ultimately be traced back to installation issues. Here Parviz talks about some common HVAC installation problems and how they can be avoided.
All HVAC providers are not created equal. While some promise low rates and quick service, it’s important to do your homework. Unfortunately a lower price sometimes means cutting corners. As HVAC professionals, we find that many common HVAC problems could have been prevented if a system were installed correctly to begin with.
Staying Up to Code
If your HVAC system is not up to code, it’s a failure before it’s even been turned on. While it may seem obvious that the proper permits must be secured and current building codes observed when installing any HVAC system, some providers simply don’t stay informed. Inadequately ventilated gas furnaces or incorrectly sized ducts, for example, are issues we see all too often. Building codes exist for a reason. When they’re not observed, safety, performance and efficiency issues commonly arise.
Changing Needs
As your family’s needs change, your HVAC system should adjust to meet them. Often, HVAC problems occur when a family builds onto a home such as adding another bedroom or a home office. This new space adds additional load to the home’s heating and cooling system. Down the road, if that family needs the home’s HVAC system replaced (which it almost certainly will), an HVAC provider will need to reassess the home’s heating and cooling requirements, accounting for any changes that have been made to the home since the original system was installed. This is called a heat load calculation, and, unfortunately, it’s commonly overlooked.
After all, some families will live in the same home for 50 to 60 years. It’s likely that their home’s heating and cooling needs will change in some way over time. Some providers, when replacing an HVAC system, will simply check the model number of the original system and replace it with a newer version. To avoid future problems with the new system, an up-to-date assessment of the home’s (and the homeowners’) heating and cooling needs is essential.
Finding the Right System
Choosing the HVAC system for your home is absolutely essential. But some “bargain” providers simply don’t have the experience or knowledge to help you make the right choice. In addition to selecting the correctly-sized system for your home, you will want to consider other factors as well. Be sure to work with an HVAC expert, one with a long history in the industry and an in-depth understanding of the latest advancements in HVAC technology, to help you understand your options. Advancements in HVAC systems have made it possible to go beyond just heating and cooling and to address the quality of the air your family breathes. Air filtration systems and built-in humidifiers are just some of the ways to address indoor air quality.
Safety First
Safety issues are common when HVAC systems are improperly installed or inadequately considered as changes are made to a home. One example is the build-out of a basement around an existing gas furnace. Many furnaces are originally installed in basements that are unfinished. When a basement is later finished, walls are normally built around the furnace. Eventually, these basement furnaces are replaced with newer, higher-efficiency models, but additional ventilation is not provided to the surrounding space. This lack of air to the furnace can create a dangerous situation for the home’s inhabitants. It takes an experienced HVAC provider to understand and anticipate these types of safety issues and to make the proper adjustments to ensure your family’s safety.
