Knowing Heating and Cooling Dos and Dont's in Your House Plan

When building your home, there are several considerations for the proper air conditioning installation procedures in your house plan. Much of the plan depends on the climate where you live, and the right installation can add years of life to new A/C equipment plus it can help save both energy and money. But a poorly installed or selected A/C system can cause many problems for the end-user.

Today, to help protect the global environment, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has focused on home and business air conditioning methods for greater energy efficiency. A current EPA study indicates that installation issues often hinder the efficiency of more than half of all installed home air-conditioners. The quality installation of central air-conditioners for cooling and heat pumps for heating are both sources for superior home energy efficiency.

First, let’s take a look at the energy-consumption behind inefficient air conditioning planning. It often comes down to incorrect equipment sizing or improper system installation, reducing an air-conditioner's performance by thirty percent or more. What’s worse, there is also a possibility for complete system failure.  Improper refrigerant charging also often reduces system efficiency, and improper refrigerant charging can result in frequent system freeze-ups. Basically, improper unit sizing includes over-sizing resulting in insufficient system run-time. This often hinders the dehumidification process. Technicians and homeowners need to be aware of proper air conditioning installation procedures.

On the other hand, the advantage of proper system selection and air conditioning installation procedures can assure better overall system performance. Energy-efficient air conditioning selection and installation services assure better performance–to the tune of around twenty percent savings on home cooling costs for the average homeowner.  Accurate product sizing and HVAC installation also deliver more even airflow throughout the entire home. Generally, the entire family's overall comfort increases when the dehumidification systems work better, so the air remains cooler.

HVAC Installation – Damage Complications Due to Improper A/C Installation

Proper air conditioning installation results in better functionality, which in turn helps prevent system damage. A central air conditioning compressor should be located in a shaded outdoor area to help keep the unit cool and reduce the workload. Obstructed or reduced airflow over the coils also creates inefficiency and excessive system labor. These create increased energy costs, but the greatest effect of poor system installation will show up as a long-term repair expense.

HVAC Installation – Safety Factors Affected by Improper A/C Installation

Some air conditioning sales and service companies oversize the mechanical systems in residential construction. The practice increases the unit price and the unit installation costs but wastes the customer's energy resources. It also reduces moisture control and comfort. Poor moisture control can become a serious health problem for some homeowners, and excess moisture tends to breed bacteria and mold.

Electrical wiring also requires proper installation, and poor connections can result in erratic system performance or, worse yet, a deadly electrical fire.
HVAC Installation – Knowing the manufacturers' guidelines and specifications for successful and proper air conditioning installation involves several factors. Some come from government research, while others come as a result of state requirements.

There is also an option to use passive solar design to heat and cool your home, both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Some users report heating costs can be reduced to less than half the cost of heating a typical home. Others claim passive solar design can also help lower any cooling costs.

Passive solar cooling includes using reflective coatings on roofs, exterior walls, and roofs. House plans also feature carefully designed overhangs and the placement of large, insulated windows on south-facing walls. Contractors can also add thermal mass, such as a heat-absorbing wall or a concrete slab floor close to the windows.

Passive solar houses require careful design and siting, which vary by local climate conditions. If you consider adding a passive solar design to your home, consult an architect who is very familiar with passive solar techniques.

(Photo credit: Martin Visser on Unsplash)