If you are getting ready to take on a remodeling project at home, it can be exciting and daunting. Many remodels might include adding to your home or adding air conditioning to the space over a garage or in an attic.
But before you start your remodel project and start hiring a crew to get the job done, it is important to consider what impact there will be on your HVAC unit as you add on or renovate.
Avoid HVAC issues in your newly remodeled space by addressing these top five HVAC considerations before demo day.
When Remodeling Your Home Consider these Five Things
Did you know that Florida is #4 in the country when it comes to homeowners’ spending on home improvements?
Before you jump into your renovations, make sure to discuss and plan out your heating and cooling needs for the new remodel or addition. Keep reading to learn five important considerations to discuss with your HVAC contractor at Super Heat & Air.
#1. Do You Need to Upgrade to a Larger HVAC Unit?
Are you adding more livable space to your home like a bedroom addition, an attic bedroom, or enclosing a sunroom? If so, this can mean that your current HVAC unit that was installed for your pre-remodeled space may not be larger enough to handle all that extra square footage.
If you’re going to need a new HVAC unit to heat or cool your newly renovated space, it is best to know upfront so the expense can be included in the renovation expenses, and you won’t have any unexpected costs after the fact.
Our HVAC professionals at Super Heat & Air can help you choose a unit that will account for the added square footage of your renovation and can set you up with an energy-efficient HVAC unit that will help you lower your overall energy costs.
#2. Will Any Ductwork Need to be Reconfigured?
If your remodel is small and your current air conditioner can handle the new addition, you may still need to consider having your ductwork reconfigured to circulate cool air into your new home layout.
It is easiest to do this during the remodel because there are often open spaces and drywall has yet to be installed, so make sure to consider this before the finishing stage of your remodel.
Save time and money and consider having ductwork reconfigured now rather than doing it later.
#3. If your renovation is large, or away from the center of the home, such as an attic, detached apartment space, or a room over a garage, a mini split can be a great option.
A mini split is ductless and is a smaller version of an HVAC unit with two components:
A condenser unit that is kept outside
An inside air handling unit
Mini-splits allow you to bring air conditioning to any space without needing to install ductwork or buy another full HVAC unit.
#4. Does Zoning Make Sense?
If your HVAC system is too small to handle your renovated area, you may still be able to keep it and utilize a zoned system. This HVAC setup uses mechanical dampers to send cooled air to separate areas in your home. Think about it, you could cool down your bedroom at night while keeping the rest of the house a little warmer to save on energy costs!
If your home and renovation are right for a zoned system, you could potentially save on having to buy a new HVAC unit. Plus, you’ll enjoy greater energy savings because zoned systems are quite efficient.
Learn More> How HVAC Zoning Works
#5. Protect Your HVAC System During Renovations
One thing to address before your renovation begins is the protection of your current HVAC system, both inside and out. There is a lot of dust kicked up during renovations from wood being cut, drywall, or tile being removed, and that can circulate through your system, decreasing your home’s air quality and adding to your system’s overall wear and tear.
To keep your HVAC system safe, close all the vents to keep any dust or debris from collecting inside and make sure that your contractors are aware of any ducting in walls so they can avoid cutting anything in that area, so dust won’t affect your HVAC unit. Further, if they are doing any outside work, make sure that the exterior condenser is protected as well.
Further Reading> What to Ask When Purchasing a New HVAC Unit
Remodeling? Call Super Heat & Air First
Before you begin the exciting task of remodeling your home, make sure to call Super Heat & Air to discuss whether your current HVAC is large enough to take on the extra square footage or to get more information about a zoned or mini-split system.
