Should You Upgrade Your HVAC System for a Home Addition? 

Whether you’re putting on a second family room, a guest space or growing the kitchen, having additional square footage in your residence is sure to prove useful. Just keep in mind you need to consider the heating and cooling needs of the new room. One of those points should cover whether you should upgrade your HVAC system for a home addition in the U.S.. Our guidebook will help you as you take the first step in the process.

Option 1: No Upgrade Required

If the home addition includes enlarging a space rather than building completely new rooms, you may not need to enhance the HVAC system at all. This is usually the instance if your heating and cooling system was oversized when they were installed. Schedule a load calculation from a professional technician, such as one from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing by calling 866-397-3787. This will determine if your existing HVAC system can manage the upgrades you’ve made to your home.

Option 2: HVAC System Upgrade

Another idea for bringing heat and air conditioning into your home addition is to lengthen the ductwork from your existing forced-air system. If you rely on radiators or baseboard heating, you can add hot water piping to the new area.

Be aware that, in addition to ductwork or water piping, you may also have to put in HVAC equipment to handle the increased load. The following increase in electricity use may even call for an electrical panel upgrade. If your heating and cooling system needs to be replaced soon, this may be perfectly acceptable.

Option 3: Install a Ductless Mini-Split

In place of getting a new equipment to manage the added area, you can put in a stand-alone one. Ductless mini-splits are ideal for this. They use two parts. There’s a condensing unit that sits on the ground outdoors, much like an air conditioner. Then there’s the sleek indoor blower that mounts to the ceiling or wall.

Like a central heat pump, mini-split HVAC systems deliver both heating and cooling for all-season comfort from one piece of equipment.

Since there’s a wall- or ceiling-mounted air handler, ductwork isn’t necessary. You can even link up to four indoor air handlers with one outdoor unit for zoned heating and cooling in distinct spaces in your house. A ductless mini-split could be the best HVAC option for your home addition if:

• • Your present system can’t take on the added room, and you’re not ready to replace every part today.

• • The old and new spaces have differing heating and cooling needs.

• • You would like to add air conditioning to your home without getting or extending the ductwork.

If you need help deciding which HVAC option is right for you, let Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing give our advice. We have a lot of experience helping homeowners adjust their indoor comfort, with a passion for efficiency and eco-friendly HVAC systems.

We’ll start the process by completing a load calculation to determine your needs. Then, we can offer cost breakdowns for ductwork installation and system upgrades vs. putting in a ductless mini-split HVAC system. We’ll offer you all the solutions so you can make a wise decision. To start, call at 866-397-3787 to schedule an appointment right away!