Improper Furnace Installations Can End Up Costing You More Money
Proper installation is vital for your furnace to work as it should. HVAC professionals always remind homeowners of this. This will help ensure that any serious issues and breakdowns are prevented. It is also vital to your furnace’s overall functionality because its installation affects its capabilities and efficiency. Also, its correct installation ensures that it is safe to use. This article will discuss why it is important to have your furnace installed properly. Likewise, it will discuss the problems associated with improper furnace installation.
Why You Need To Perform A Manual J Load Calculation
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Conducting a Manual J load calculation is an important step you need to do to install your HVAC equipment properly. This will help you determine the correct HVAC size and capacity your home needs. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the Manual J load calculation and why it is necessary.
The Manual J Load calculation uses different factors in your home to determine the heating and/or cooling capacity that your home requires. Some of these factors are the building materials, the size of your home, the insulation level, wall positions, among others. The capacity is measured via tons, which is the system’s capacity to melt 1,000 kilos of ice within a day. Furthermore, one ton is equal to 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour.
The Manual J calculation is critical simply because every house is different. It has a different design and structure, is made of different materials, and is home to people with different heating and cooling needs. The HVAC unit needs to be the right size so that you’ll receive even and constant heating or cooling.
Benefits Of A Properly Sized Furnace
An HVAC system that is too small or too big will lead to problems, such as reduced energy efficiency and component wear and tear. Your system is also most likely to suffer from short cycling wherein your unit will turn on and off in quick successions. This will lead to worn-out components. You might also notice that your system will not be able to keep up with the demands of your home. Your home will remain uncomfortable despite your HVAC system running all day.
Problems You Might Encounter With An Improperly Installed Furnace
An improperly installed furnace opens up your home to a myriad of serious safety problems. Some of these issues you might encounter down the line include:
Gas Leakage
A heating system that is not connected correctly may have joint gaps. It can result in gas leaks. Unfortunately, the type of gas that can seep through is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous one. Carbon monoxide can cause adverse effects on your health. It can even be fatal when exposed for prolonged periods.
Electrical Issues
Another problematic issue has to do with the wiring. A lousy wiring job can lead to problems like a circuit breaker that trips repeatedly and power drainage. Faulty wiring also means your furnace becomes more of a fire hazard. It also means your system is inefficient, so you end up having a significant increase in your monthly energy bills when you use your HVAC system.
Uncomfortable Indoor Environment
A furnace that isn’t installed properly strains to keep up with the heating demands of your home. Unfortunately, it can still lead to having an uncomfortable home. Some of the discomfort issues you’ll notice include:
- Poor Indoor Air Quality: The indoor air quality depends on the overall functionality of your furnace. If you have a poorly installed drainage system, water can leak through and damage your system and your home. Water accumulation also encourages mold and mildew growth. As a result, you’ll have a poor indoor air quality level.
- Improper Airflow: If the HVAC ductwork is not installed correctly, you will have air distribution problems. The issue is usually because of an output capacity that does not match the duct size.
- Hot/Cold Spots: Homeowners will suffer from hot and/or cold spots, uneven room temperatures, and HVAC inefficiency.
- Venting Issues: Vents that are not installed properly will lead to HVAC system problems. Some of the causes include a wrong pipe material or size and a system that is not vented properly. With these issues on hand, you are likely to have HVAC issues.
Choosing The Best Furnace Installation Company
To ensure that your furnace is installed properly, you need to have a reliable and experienced HVAC company on your side. Before you pick up that phone to call the nearest furnace company in your area, you need to check the following first:
HVAC Certifications
Make sure they have technicians with the proper certifications. For example, North American Technician Excellence or NATE certification is given to HVAC technicians who pass the organization’s core and specialty exams. These exams test a tech’s knowledge of the installation and services required of an HVAC professional. Furthermore, a NATE certification is proof that the tech is up to par with industry-standard and competent in their job.
Licensed and Bonded HVAC Contractors
A licensed technician means they have the qualifications, training, and skills to do the required tasks to work on your HVAC system. Their license is proof that they can do the job they are hired for. On the other hand, a license bond is a surety bond that protects both the technician and his clients if problems arise later.
HVAC Company References
Ask the HVAC company to give you references. One that is competent and reliable will not hesitate to provide you with what you need because they are confident that former and current clients will recommend the company’s services.
Conclusion
A heating and cooling company provides your home with the comfort and safety you deserve. First, they will ensure that the furnace system is of the right size and installed correctly. This way, you can rest easy knowing that you will have a comfortable, safe, and efficient home for a long time.
Contact Townsend Energy For All Of Your Heating Needs
Townsend Energy offers top-quality heating and cooling services in Northeastern Massachusetts, Southern Maine, and Southern New Hampshire. Our company has professionally certified and trained technicians who can conduct superior HVAC services for you. This includes furnace installations, AC repairs, ductless systems, and much more. All our friendly techs are equipped with years of knowledge and experience to provide you with correct HVAC services at all times.
Do you need to have your system repaired or replaced? No worries. You are in capable hands with Townsend Energy. We provide the most competitive rates in the area. We can also recommend the best replacement system that fits within your budget. Our priority is always your home efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality. Schedule an appointment by calling one of our representatives today. We provide free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now at (800) 722-4101 to find out more!