Many homeowners take furnace installation for granted. Little do they know that the process is actually important in ensuring safe and efficient HVAC operation. When the installation is correct, problems with the furnace are minimized and the system will continue to function properly. Of course, the system has to be properly sized to ensure that it runs efficiently. If the furnace was installed properly, then it will be able to work safely. This article discusses the importance of ensuring that your furnace is properly installed. Likewise, we discuss the consequences that come about with an improper furnace installation.
The Importance Of A Manual J Load Calculation Prior To A Furnace Installation
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First, make sure to perform a Manual J load calculation before having your HVAC system installed. This is a key step that you should not skip. Calculating the Manual J load takes into account several factors. These include the area of your home in terms of square footage and the type of materials used to build your home. The calculation will also include the position of the interior walls and the types and levels of insulation.
These factors are necessary to help you determine the correct size of the HVAC system for your home. HVAC size is measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units and is expressed in tons. One HVAC ton refers to the capacity of the HVAC system to melt 1,000 kilos (or 1 ton) of ice in 24 hours. In HVAC parlance, one ton is 12,000 BTUs per hour.
The Benefits Of Performing A Manual J Load Calculation
BTUs are important for finding the perfect HVAC size for your home. Keep in mind that every home is unique. Your home is different in size, structure, materials, design, and the number of occupants it has. When the HVAC system is the right size, it will be able to maintain an even and constant indoor temperature.
An undersized or oversized HVAC system will cause the system to work harder and become inefficient. The system may also begin showing performance problems including furnace short cycling – an issue wherein the furnace turns on and turns off frequently. The system may also fail prematurely due to wear-and-tear. This usually happens when the system simply becomes incapable of handling the heating and cooling demands of your home. When this happens, you will notice that your home is not as comfortable as it used to be because your HVAC system simply cannot cool or heat your indoor environment effectively.
Avoiding Safety Issues Due To Incorrect Installation Of The Furnace
An improperly installed heating system can cause a number of issues that are far more serious than just inconvenience. There are safety issues as well that can threaten your health and safety. These issues include:
Gas Leaks
An improperly connected system can result in joint gaps that allow gas to leak. Systems that have gaps or cracks in them can release a toxic gas known as carbon monoxide. This is an odorless and colorless gas that is also combustible. If inhaled, it can cause certain unpleasant and even dangerous effects on your health and those of your pets.
Electrical Issues
A furnace system that was installed improperly could lead to electrical issues, specifically if the problem is with the wiring. Faulty wiring is usually due to negligence on the part of the technician. When your system has a wiring problem, it can easily drain power or trip your circuit breaker. The most worrisome issue is that it could increase the risk of a fire. Any electrical issue can lead to other problems such as inefficiency, which means you will likely pay more for the use of energy than you should have.
Discomfort
Comfort is another area where a proper furnace installation is necessary. Since the HVAC system will have to work harder to make up for its failure to generate sufficient heating or cooling, your home will also suffer from comfort issues. These include:
Indoor Air Quality
The quality of the air you enjoy indoors will depend largely on the efficiency of your HVAC system. A poorly-designed drain system, for example, could result in water leakage. This, in turn, will cause damage to the home’s structure. Even small water puddles indoors can increase the risk of mold and mildew growth. The presence of these microorganisms indoors can affect the quality of indoor air in your home.
Air Distribution Issues
A furnace system that was improperly installed can affect the duct system. Since air distribution is done through the ducts, any problems with the ductwork will be felt in the living spaces. Poor air distribution occurs when there is a mismatch between the unit’s output capacity and the size of the ductwork. As a result, the system cannot work efficiently and you likely will experience uneven indoor temperatures.
Hot And Cold Spots
Hot and cold spots in your home are often the result of poor air distribution. Some areas may feel cooler or warmer than other areas – a condition that could lead to comfort and safety issues.
Issues With Furnace Venting
Another key comfort issue that you could be facing with an improperly installed furnace is improper venting. Vent pipes should be the correct size and material for the furnace system to work properly.
Choosing An HVAC Contractor To Install Your Furnace
When you need to have your furnace system installed properly and safely, make sure you talk only to a licensed, trained, and experienced HVAC contractor. To find the best local furnace company for the job, here are the most important things to look for:
NATE And HVAC Industry Certifications
NATE North American Technician Excellence) certification is only granted to HVAC technicians who successfully pass the core and specialty tests administered by the organization. In addition, NATE is an independent organization that promotes excellence in the industry by providing stringent standards that technicians and other workers in the field must pass using a knowledge-based exam. A technician with a NATE certification shows that he/she has passed the set standards of the industry and are competent in their job.
Licensed And Bonded
Technicians can only obtain a license in their field if they can prove that they have the training, knowledge, and qualifications necessary to perform the tasks that their job requires. Licensed technicians are competent and can be trusted to perform safe and accurate installations, repairs, and other services. A surety bond is required of an HVAC contractor in the form of a license bond. This is insurance coverage that offers protection to both the technicians and the clients in case of problems that might occur on the job.
HVAC Contractor References
It is a good idea to ask an HVAC installation company for references before hiring them. Competent companies are more than willing and capable of providing you with references from past and current clients who recommend their services.
Conclusion
HVAC installation and replacement companies perform an important job to ensure that our homes are safe and comfortable. They can do this by installing your furnace system properly. A correctly-sized system for your home will assure you of comfort, safety, and efficiency all year round.
Call Skylands Energy For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
Skylands Energy Service is one of the top heating and cooling service providers in the area. Our HVAC technicians are professionally certified to ensure that they offer only the most competent services to our clients.
From installations and replacements to tune-ups and repairs, we can offer the most competent and competitive services. Years of experience allow us to provide our clients with the best services that always ensure we meet their comfort needs within budget. With every job we perform, we prioritize comfort, safety, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. Call Skylands Energy Service today to schedule an in-home estimate at no cost.
Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!