Improper Furnace Installations Can End Up Costing You More Money
Furnace installation is equally as essential as the appliance. Therefore, your heating equipment must be installed accurately. Proper installation keeps your furnace from experiencing any major problems and premature breakdown down the line. It also directly affects your unit’s efficiency and performance. Not only that, but you need to have correctly-sized heating equipment that is installed properly to ensure maximum operational safety. Therefore, improper furnace installation leads to a number of preventable and costly issues. This article will further discuss the importance of installing your furnace properly.
Why Conducting A Manual J Load Calculation Before Furnace Installation Is Essential
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One of the essential steps needed to ensure that the installation process goes without a hitch is conducting a Manual J load calculation. This will help determine the correct HVAC size and capacity required for your home.
Manual J Load Calculation: What It Is
The Manual J load calculation is the measurement guide used to determine an area’s heating and/or cooling capacity. It utilizes several specific factors, including square footage, the materials used to build your home, the insulation level, and how the walls are positioned, among other critical factors.
This capacity of your HVAC system is typically measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs. An HVAC ton is its capacity of the furnace to melt a ton of ice within a day. One ton equals 12,000 BTUs per hour.
How A Manual J Load Calculation Impacts Your Comfort
The Manual J calculation is vital because every house is different. Each has its own design, structure, materials, and even occupants. An HVAC system that is correctly-sized and has the right capacity means that it can provide even and constant heating or cooling. If the HVAC unit is too small or too big, you will likely experience issues like short cycling. This is when your HVAC system turns on and off in quick successions. When this happens, you’ll notice that even though your system is running, your house remains uncomfortable. It also causes the unit’s parts to wear out faster and might even result in a premature breakdown.
Problems You’ll Encounter When A Furnace Is Improperly Installed
An improperly installed furnace does not only cause hassle. It can also lead to several safety problems. Some of the issues that homeowners might run into are listed down below:
Gas Leaks
A system that is not connected correctly might lead to gas leakages. There might be gaps between joints where potentially fatal carbon monoxide gas can seep through. This gas is odorless, colorless, and explosive. It can cause harm to both your family and pets if not addressed immediately.
Electrical Problems
Improper furnace installation can also cause wiring problems. Faulty wiring can lead to the circuit breaker tripping, the power draining faster, and increased fire chances. Electrical issues also mean you have an inefficient system. Therefore, you are likely to have a higher electricity bill than what your HVAC system actually uses.
Low Level Of Comfort
Your furnace is unnecessarily burdened if it is not properly installed. It can lead to an uncomfortable indoor environment. A few of the problems you’ll encounter include:
- Low Indoor Air Quality: How well your HVAC operates dictates your home’s indoor air quality. If the drain system isn’t correctly installed, you’ll end up with a water leak that can wreak havoc on your system and home. The water also promotes the growth of mold and mildew, which, in turn, lowers your home’s indoor air quality.
- Air Distribution Issues: If the ductwork is poorly installed, then you’ll have air distribution problems. The usual issue is that the furnace’s output capacity does not match the duct size. Problems with air distribution lead to discomfort around your home and operational issues.
- Uneven Temperatures: If you feel hot and cold spots throughout your home, you might have air distribution issues. This can cause a strain on your home comfort. Not to mention it can also affect your safety.
- Furnace Venting Issues: Incorrect venting installation can also cause HVAC system problems. For instance, you might have the wrong vent pipe size or material. It could also be that the unit is not vented correctly at the onset. You are likely to experience HVAC issues with these venting problems at hand.
Choosing The Right HVAC Technician For Your Furnace Installation
The best way to ensure that the installation process goes without a hitch is to have a trustworthy, experienced, and licensed HVAC contractor help you. However, it isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are a few things you need to check before you hire an HVAC company. Here are some of them:
- HVAC Industry Certifications & NATE: NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. It is an independent body that provides certification to technicians in the installation and/or service industries. The accreditation is acquired via an examination and is proof that the technician has passed the organization’s specialty tests. A NATE certified tech means that they are competent in their line of work.
- Licensed and Bonded: Licensed HVAC contractors have extensive training, knowledge, and skills to do their job. Having a license provides you with the peace of mind knowing they are qualified to conduct HVAC services. On the other hand, a license bond is an insurance that protects both the technician and their clients if problems arise sometime later.
- HVAC Contractor References: Always ask for references before you hire an HVAC installation company. Former and current clients of the company can provide you with an insight into the company’s standards and principles. The HVAC company should have no qualms with providing you with references if they are trustworthy and competent.
Conclusion
Heating companies help ensure that our homes are comfortable, especially during the cold winter season. This includes providing an accurate and prompt installation process. When an HVAC technician installs your correctly-sized furnace correctly, you receive the home comfort, efficiency, and safety you deserve for a very long time.
Call Hart Home Comfort For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
Hart Home Comfort provides top-quality heating and cooling services in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Queens, New York. We have the best certified and trained contractors who conduct accurate and prompt services. Each of our friendly techs has the knowledge, skills, and experience to do all kinds of HVAC services, including maintenance, repairs, installations, and replacements.
Our company offers the most competitive heating and cooling service prices in the area. Our maintenance services will ensure that you receive high levels of comfort, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. We can also assist you when you need to replace an outdated HVAC system. We can help you find the most suitable make and model that fits your budget and needs. All our work comes with a guarantee. Schedule a service appointment with us by calling Hart Home Comfort today. We provide free, no-obligation, in-home consultations.
For any questions about what Hart Home Comfort can do for you, give us a call today. Click here to contact us now or call us at (631) 667-3200 to find out more!