A new addition adds value and utility to your home. But it’s more than just building walls, a floor, and a roof. One of your major considerations will need to be your home’s HVAC system. Your home’s HVAC system is sized to your home, and it’s rated for a certain amount of air. When making your home larger, you may need to upgrade your HVAC system.
Here’s what you need to know.
You Could Get Away With New Ductwork
Let’s say your HVAC system was brand new, or it was already too large for your home. While this is rare, it’s the ideal situation. You’ll only need additional ductwork. The ductwork will connect the addition to your old HVAC system. From there, the system will be rebalanced to distribute air throughout your home.
If your home cools very quickly when your HVAC system turns on, your HVAC system might be a little too large. You can ask your HVAC contractor how much air your HVAC system is rated for. If it’s at the higher end of your home’s size, you could be safe to add ductwork.
You Might Be Able to Improve Your Insulation
Does your home’s insulation have room for improvement? Try improving your insulation before making any other major changes. Install insulation in your attic, around windows, and doors. Look for drafts or leaks.
When you build your new addition, pay attention to the insulation that you install. The better insulated the addition is, the less taxing it will be on your existing HVAC. At the same time, have your HVAC contractor check your ducts. If your ducts aren’t well-maintained and well-insulated, they could be losing a lot of energy themselves.
You May Need a Complete Upgrade
If your system is struggling or old, you probably need a new system. Most HVAC systems have to be replaced once they’re 15 to 25 years old. So you can at least rest-assured that you would have needed an upgrade soon, anyway.
On the other hand, if your HVAC system is still pretty new, you may not want to replace it. In this situation, you could sell it to pay for a larger system, or you could try to find a workaround.
And another note: if you’re adding a second story addition, you’re more likely to need a system upgrade. Airflow is more limited in two-story homes, and HVAC systems need to be stronger to compensate.
You Can Get a Ductless AC System
If you don’t have the budget for a completely new HVAC system, consider a ductless AC system. A ductless AC system can be installed directly in the addition. You’ll need to control it separately from the rest of your HVAC system, but it will be a fraction of the cost. Ductless systems are often ideal for second-story additions, finished basements, and finished garages.
You Can Also Get Away With a Window Unit
A window unit is often sufficient to cool a single room. Likewise, a standalone heater can keep a single room warm. While these aren’t ideal solutions, you can rely on them until you’re ready to replace your HVAC system. If you still have another five years of life in your HVAC system, it may be best to use a temporary solution until then.
Upgrading your HVAC system for a new addition can be expensive. It’s worth it to explore some additional solutions, which an HVAC company can help with. You may not need to replace your entire system, but you might need to make modifications to compensate for an addition. Contact Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning to get started.
