If you’re planning on adding on to your home, one of the first things you should investigate is how to heat and cool the new space. It might make a difference in how you design it or lay out its wiring and other mechanical systems. An HVAC contractor can advise you whether you can extend your current system, upgrade to a new one, or choose an independent HVAC system.
Extending your current system
The HVAC contractor can tell you if your current system has enough capacity to provide heating and cooling to your planned addition. Your least expensive option is likely to simply extend the ductwork from your current equipment. If you use sufficient insulation and energy-efficient windows, your equipment may be large enough when you’re adding on to your home. The contractor will conduct a load analysis on your home and new space to see if this option is practical.
Upgrading the system
If your current system is 10 years or older, it may make sense to replace your system. Though it will raise your construction costs, a more efficient HVAC system will pay for itself over time since your energy bills will be lower. New HVAC equipment offers more ways to save energy, such as desuperheaters that work with heat pumps to heat water in the summer, or variable speed blower motors that use less electricity and run quieter than single-speed motors.
Independent systems
The simplest way to condition the new space is to install a ductless mini-split heat pump. These systems don’t require ductwork to distribute conditioned air. The air handler and outdoor condenser are connected with a conduit that contains the refrigerant, drainpipe and power. These offer solid energy savings, flexibility and convenience. They can accommodate up to four or five air handlers if you’re adding a larger space to your home.
If you’d like to learn more about heating and cooling when adding on to your home, please contact us at Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning. We’ve provided superior HVAC services for the San Joaquin Valley for more than 40 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Fresno, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heating and cooling new additions and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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