Your Residential HVAC System; Types, Considerations,
and Finding the Right Contractor
One of the most important yet bothersome areas of service and repair
for many homeowners is their HVAC system – heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning. Climate control systems; an important aspect
of new construction, home renovation, and home repair certain to
confront every home owner at one time or another.
Because principles involved in air conditioner cooling heating
systems vary, depending upon the type of cooling and heating system
used, a basic understanding how each works is important.
HVAC Unit Basics
HVAC systems fall into one of two categories; local or central.
Local heating is a type of ductless heating system; providing heat
to a single, localized area. Local cooling heating sources include
fire places, electric radiators, space heaters, window unit air
conditioners, pellet and wood stoves, fans, etc.
Central cooling heating systems distribute hot water, steam, or
air throughout a structure. This is accomplished through a network
of ducts or pipes, depending upon system type. For obvious reasons,
cold climate areas most often use central heating as their major
heat source.
A central cooling heating unit contains a boiler, furnace, or heat
pump; to heat water, steam, or air at a centralized location before
distribution throughout a building by way of piping or ductwork.
Heated water or steam flows from the heat pump, or boiler heating
hydronic system into pipes. The pipes connect to a baseboard heating
system, convector, or radiator that distributes heat throughout
that room. Some systems have one pipe that connects to each fixture;
other systems have two.
A central heating system that uses forced air feeds a series of ductwork
that connects to vents, strategically placed in the coldest part of
the room. This would typically be next to windows to minimize condensation,
or along external walls. A second system of ducts circulates cold
air back to the furnace. Ventilation exchanges inside air with
outside air; removing moisture, odors, airborne bacteria, heat,
and smoke. Improving air quality. And, of course, air conditioning
helps keep inside air at a comfortable level.
The heating, ventilating, and air conditioning functions associated
with HVAC units are all closely interrelated. Combined, they provide
a comfortable temperature with sufficient humidity, and improved
indoor air quality for suitable indoor living conditions.
Residential HVAC Home Renovation Tip
Planning a home renovation addition or an old home renovation project
may require expansion of the HVAC system. Homeowners should keep
the following in mind:
- An experienced special trade contractor, such as a heating and
air conditioning contractor or heating ventilating contractor,
is your best source for understanding the existing central system.
He or she can determine if the residential HVAC system needs to
be expanded to meet new renovation requirements, or if auxiliary
heating and/or cooling appliances would suffice. This could save
you a considerable amount of money on overall home renovation
cost.
- Even cosmetic alterations to a room, such as the addition of
a bay window or change in room shape or size, may require additional
heating ducts. Not only for adequate heat, but also to stay in
compliance with building codes.
- Canadian residents with limited funds who would like to expand
or update their HVAC system might qualify for government assistance.
Visit Can-Grants.com
to check eligibility or acquire a Canadian government home renovation
grant, loan, or rebate.
- When making plans to finish off your basement or attic for increased
living or work space, consider this. Expanding a forced-air HVAC
system in a basement is relatively simple. It usually entails
just the addition of a few extra ducts; something a handy do-it-yourself
homeowner might be able to accomplish on their own. Running ducts
up to the attic, however, would be much more of a challenge.
- Expanding a boiler heating hydronic system requires adding new
pipes and fixtures. An experienced local plumber or mechanical
HVAC contractor might be your best choice as a service provider.
- As with any home renovation project that alters the structure
or home system in any way, such as plumbing and wiring, check
with your local building department before beginning work. Make
sure you follow local building code criteria, obtain any necessary
permits, and have work inspected to ensure your project is code-compliant.
- If your HVAC system will not handle the additional load required
to meet your new room addition or home renovation project, and
if funds are tight, consider supplemental units. An electric baseboard
heater and window unit air conditioner, for instance. Room A/C
units usually plug into a 240-volt receptacle; heaters will either
plug into a standard 120-volt receptacle, or else can be wired
to a 240-volt circuit. While this will be easier and less costly
than expanding your residential HVAC system, it might require
a new circuit in your electrical panel.
Another alternative to expanding your cooling heating system, and
an increasing popular one, is to install a radiant heating system.
This system heats using electrical wires or hot-water tubing inserted
behind the finish surfaces of walls, ceilings and floors.
Large scale installations of this type system are not a diy project;
services of a special trade or knowledgeable residential general
contractor are required.
Hiring a Contractor for Your HVAC Update
or Expansion Project
When it comes to hiring the right contractor for new HVAC installation
or HVAC unit expansion, keep the following in mind:
- When hiring any contractor, check out credentials and licensing.
Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if any complaints
have been lodged against the contractor and/or their company.
- Request references and check them out. Ask references if they
were satisfied with the completed project; if the project was
completed on time and whether or not they would ever hire the
contractor again. If not, ask why.
- Look for a contractor you feel comfortable with; one who fully
explains HVAC requirements for your home renovation idea and takes
the time to listen to questions and explain HVAC jargon.
- Find out if the contractor belongs to any local or national
organizations or groups. Check to see if they are members in good
standing.
- Keep communication lines open; make yourself available for consultation
throughout the project.
- Make sure bids you collect from contractor candidates are actual
project bids – not “estimates,” which are subject
to change.
Contractor Selection and the Contract
When you have found 2 or 3 contractors you consider good candidates,
provide each with an identical detailed description of your project,
and collect bids. Once you have selected the HVAC contractor you
feel most comfortable with, draw up a contact with detailed information.
The contract should include the names, addresses, and telephone
numbers of both parties, and the legal address of the renovation
site. It should contain a detailed job description, starting and
ending dates, a detailed materials list, labor and materials costs,
payment schedules, who is responsible for obtaining permits, and
anything else pertinent to the project.
Meet with the contractor and go over the contract before signing
it. Both the contractor and the project owner should sign the contract,
each retaining a copy for their files.
Other Considerations
Word of mouth recommendations can yield success in finding a contractor
for your HVAC related home renovation project. Online Internet resources
are becoming increasingly popular, and offer a wider selection of
reliable local contractors from which to choose. One effective online
resource is HandyCanadian.com
A contractor to homeowner matchmaking service dubbed “an
online match made in heaven” by Global News, HandyCanadian.com
offers commercial and residential project owners free access to
informative new construction, business, and home renovation articles.
View contractor member service provider profiles, and make contact
with contractor candidates at your discretion. Post your project
online with easy-to-use tools, and receive competitive bids from
special trade and heating and air conditioning contractor members
in your area. It’s absolutely free, with no obligation.
For more information or answers to questions e-mail HandyCanadian.com:
info@handycanadian.com.
Finding the right HVAC special trade contractor at the right price
could be just an e-mail away. Why not post your project online for
free – today?
To locate a reliable bathroom renovation contractor, post your
project online for free and receive bids from professionals in your
area, ready to compete for your business. Click
here to post your project.
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