If you’re building a new home, you already know that it’s a huge investment of both time and energy. And, when you’re putting so much into it, you want to make sure that your home is designed and built to provide you with many years of comfortable living.
Most homeowners understand the value of investing in a high quality HVAC unit for comfort, reliability and energy cost savings.
Poorly planned or installed air ducts can cancel any energy savings you’re counting on in your new home. So if you want to get the most out of your investment and stay cool and comfortable when the temperature here in Brisbane soars, it’s a good idea to consult with a qualified HVAC design professional before starting your HVAC installation in your new home.
Important Things to Consider When Installing a Ducted Air Conditioning System
Here are a few of the main factors you should review with an air conditioning professionalbefore installing air ducts in your new home.
System Sizing
The sizing of your ducted air conditioning unit is vital to the overall success of your HVAC system. Using a complex set of calculations, we’ll take into account the size of your home, the type of insulation used, the number of windows (and their efficiency) and the amount of direct sunlight your house will get.
Units that are sized too small will not be able to keep your house cool and may even freeze up on really hot days. Systems that are too large for the space will not run efficiently and will constantly cycle off and on, creating extra wear and tear on the unit.
Design and Layout
Ductwork that is undersized or poorly designed for your home can severely limit airflow and may increase energy costs. Have you ever experienced a cold spot in a room? That’s due to incorrectly sized or badly placed ducts. If not done correctly, ducts will deliver too much air to some rooms and not enough to others. That leads to an uncomfortable living space.
It’s important to work with your HVAC installer when designing the ducting system. That way, ducts can be placed where they’ll be the least noticeable and the most efficient.
Sealing Ductwork
Air leakage is the greatest cause of air conditioning problems. It’s vital that your ductwork, both on the supply side and the exhaust side, is properly installed, sealed and insulated to prevent leakage. This will greatly enhance the performance of your new home’s cooling system. Properly sealed ducts prevent loss of energy through air leaks and can improve your overall system’s efficiency by up to 20 percent.
For many of us, designing and building a new home is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make sure you get it done right by consulting with professionals before getting started. Your family and your checkbook will thank you! For more information on air conditioning for new home builds click here.