Heating and Cooling Considerations for a Home Addition
Homeowners often feel confused about whether to expand the existing system or consider an upgrade.
Home addition projects are exciting for every homeowner. The extra square footage, in the form of a bedroom, bump-out, sunroom, or expanded kitchen, adds to the home functionality. An addition also transforms the house's appearance and layout and increases the resale value.
Adding to a home requires a lot of planning, including ways to direct utilities into the new addition. Besides plumbing and electrical utilities, another thing that needs careful consideration is how to accommodate the new space's heating and cooling needs.
Homeowners often feel confused about whether to expand the existing system or consider an upgrade. Let's discuss a few options homeowners have to heat and cool a home addition:
Extend the current heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
The existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system may not require an upgrade if the home addition includes enlarging a room rather than constructing a new room. If the current system has sufficient capacity to heat and cool the home and the additional space comfortably, expanding it would suffice without needing to purchase a new unit. For forced air systems, the extension process will involve building extra ductwork and air supplies to connect to the existing ductwork. Homes with boiler systems will need the installation of new pipes and radiators to connect to the current pipe network.
A technician will calculate the load based on different factors, including the local climate, square footage, types of windows and insulation, roof color, and ceiling height. These factors will help determine whether the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system will meet the heating and cooling requirements of the entire home, including the addition.
Upgrade to a larger system
Replacing the existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is an expensive option but a necessary one if it is old, inefficient, requires frequent repairs, and is not large enough to meet the increased load. Instead, choose a new system with a higher BTU output if the new addition is large and causes a significant increase in the home's heating and cooling demands. An upgrade is the best option when the heating and cooling unit is due for a replacement. There are several advantages to upgrading to a larger system. Newer systems are more efficient, perform better, offer better control, and will be adequately sized to match the home requirements.
Install a separate and independent heating and air conditioning system
A cost-efficient alternative to extending the ductwork and installing a larger system is installing a ductless mini-split air conditioner or ductless heat pump. These options are energy-efficient, easy to install, require less work, offer better control, and are safe and quiet. Mini-split systems have an indoor blower unit installed on the wall or ceiling and an outdoor condensing unit. Supplementing with additional units requires no ductwork.
Consult with a professional
Speak to a local heating and cooling contractor to determine the best solutions for heating and cooling the home while ensuring the new space remains comfortable and efficient. Professionals can help choose the option, whether a replacement, extension, or an independent system installation, that perfectly suits the household's needs.
Above and Beyond Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio residential and commercial heating and air conditioning company dedicated to providing the highest level of home comfort. Call us today at (210)794-9895.
