5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid During Your HVAC Installation

A proper HVAC Installation is highly essential to ensure energy efficiency, longevity and comfort. It is simply wrong to think that once you have installed an HVAC system, it will last for years to come. However, the durability and comfort of your HVAC system will hugely depend on the HVAC system installation during the initial days.

If there is any mistake during the installation stage, it can result in inefficiencies, decreased performance and costly repairs. Even the tiniest mistakes during installation might result in the entire system malfunction. So let us take a quick look at the most common 5 costly mistakes that any HVAC contractor should avoid during installation.

1. Wrong size

Never install an HVAC machine that will be too small or too big for the entire building. An oversized system can result in more power consumption, irregular temperature and short cycling. On the other hand, an undersized machine will be unable to meet the necessary demand, leading to frequent wear and tear and more damage. Thus, accurate site examination and load calculations are necessary while selecting the HVAC size.

Since there are different sizes of HVAC systems available in the market, they also operate differently. Tonnage or ton indicates the cooling capacity of a machine and is measured in British Thermal Units or BTU. A bigger machine for a small space will result in higher energy use and more air dryness. Likewise, a smaller unit can never cool down a huge space and will wear out rapidly.

Capacity depends on the property type, room features, number of users and the total number of equipment that might create heat. Thus, to calculate the perfect size of an HVAC system, consult a professional HVAC installation company.

2. Poor installation and design of ductwork

Flawed ductwork can impact energy efficiency and airflow. Common errors that cause these impacts include wrong duct size, additional bends, and incorrect sealed joints. These problems can cause uneven cooling, high power bills, air leaks and many more. With poor ductwork design and installation, there might be some rooms that will have more cooling compared to other rooms. So, you have to check that all the ducts are properly insulated, designed and sealed for optimal performance.

3. Airflow requirements

Irregular airflow forces the HVAC system to work harder, resulting in potential failure of the machine, high bills for energy consumption, and replacing the HVAC system. Thus, it is necessary to have proper duct size and vent placement to make sure that the system will distribute the air even throughout the entire room. With an incorrect balance of the airflow system, some areas will have cooler air, and some spaces will become a hotspot.

4. Improper refrigerant line installations

Improper handling or installation of the refrigerant lines can make an HVAC system inefficient. If you do not take advantage of the help of an expert company during HVAC Installation, a novice technician might even damage the lines. Wrong measurement of the tubing length, tight bends, or major leaks in the refrigerant lines can decrease the overall heating or cooling capacity of the system.

Besides this, long-term exposure to the AC refrigerant also poses some health hazards like skin rashes, heart palpitation, dizziness and more. Thus, ensuring that all the refrigerant levels and insulation lines are working properly by one of the top HVAC installation companies is vital for proper operation.

5. Incorrect thermostat placement

The thermostat regulates and monitors the entire HVAC system. It turns on the system when the temperature reaches above the set temperature and turns the machine off when it gets too cold. Therefore, the thermostat keeps the temperature of the room at the desired preference of the user.

But for maximum efficiency, the thermostat must be installed in the correct place of the room, as its incorrect placement might affect the performance of the system. Never install a thermostat where it might get exposed to direct sunlight or near high-heat-generating equipment. Also, never place a thermostat under the airflow vent of the system.

The best place for thermostat HVAC Installation is the center of the room that remains unaffected by the outside temperature of the house. False readings of the thermostat will lead to inefficient performance. Thus, it is appropriate to avoid spaces such as doors, vents, sunny corners or windows for the setup. We also recommend regular calibration inspections for maintaining the required performance.

Some other Vital Mistakes to Avoid during HVAC installation

Besides the above major mistakes, you should also address any exhaust issues. Carbon monoxide present in an HVAC system is highly dangerous. It is extremely harmful to our health. Thus, the HVAC experts you hire should check all the exhaust dampers and flues on the system. They should ensure that the machine is working perfectly and there is no carbon monoxide pile-up in the home.

Another problem to look out for is the poor drainage system. The drainage system eliminates the condensation of the HVAC’s indoor unit. When the HVAC is running efficiently, moisture starts to condense on the external or internal heat exchanger. If the drainage system cannot filter this moisture accurately, it will cause huge damage to your home or commercial center. It might also result in blocked pipes, mold growth, drywall, unpleasant odor, and many other issues.

End Thoughts

By now, you might have understood that avoiding these mistakes during HVAC set-up is the only way to improve the performance, extend its lifespan and lower the operational costs. Apart from perfect installation, you can keep your HVAC system running efficiently and smoothly. So always hire professional HVAC contractors to install your machine without complications.