For Houston’s hot summers and mild winters, an HVAC is not a luxury but a must. However, it is quite tricky to install an HVAC to get the most efficient outcome. You have to pick the best fit for your home based on several crucial factors.
Choosing an expert professional is another important task. An HVAC professional is necessary to install the system properly. After all of that, you need to ensure regular maintenance and care to get a soothing indoor environment in any weather.
In this post, we’ll talk about the right HVAC fit for your home, how you should look for a professional, and the installation process a professional will go through.
TL; DR
Hire an HVAC professional like The Chill Brothers for the best installation. They can assist you in the whole process, from choosing the right HVAC for your home to post-installation maintenance. During installation, be cautious to connect all parts and electrical components correctly. Most importantly, test the system after installation to check if it’s operating well.
Which HVAC is the Right Pick?
Before an air conditioner installation, you have to pick the best match for your home and surrounding climate. Experts like Francis Kasper suggest considering factors like:
· Size of your home
· Your requirements
· Budget
· Climate of your specific area
· SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings
Here are some main types of HVAC that you can pick from for Houston’s weather.
| Types of HVAC | Brief Description | Best Suited For |
| Central Air Conditioning System | It ensures even cooling for large homes. You can pick high SEER2-rated ACs for efficient performance. However, the installation cost is comparatively high if you do not have proper ductwork. | Best suited for large Homes that require whole-home cooling, Moreover, homes that have proper ductwork can consider it as a great option. |
| Heat Pumps | Heat Pumps are generally an environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient option. But it cannot cope with extremely cold climates. | Heat Pumps are best suited for mild weather like Houston’s. You barely experience Houston’s climate being extremely cold. |
| Geothermal Heat Pump | As it uses the earth’s underground temperature, it is highly energy-efficient. But the initial installation cost is higher comparatively. | Those who want to invest for long-term efficiency can choose this option. |
| Ductless Mini-Split | It does not require ductwork. Thus, easy to install and highly energy efficient. You can control the temperature of each room separately using this. However, it has limited cooling power when it comes to large homes. | Best suited for homes that do not have ductwork. Homeowners who desire zoned cooling can use these ductless mini-splits. |
| Hybrid Split System | It combines both electricity and gas for heating and cooling. Typically, the operating costs are higher for using both modes. | Those who want flexibility in fuel usage can pick this option. |
According to your requirements and professional suggestions, pick any of these HVAC systems. All of these are good for the climate of Houston. Do not forget to keep an eye on your budget and the size of your house, before you decide.
How to Choose an HVAC Professional for Installation
Air conditioner installation is a very sensitive and important process. It requires perfection and handling with care. Without proper knowledge, if you try to install it, you may ruin the system and reduce its efficiency.
Investing in an HVAC professional like The Chill Brothers can reduce the risk of damage and provide you with optimum results. Professionals can also ensure whether the HVAC is perfect for your home and requirements. To choose the right HVAC professional for installing your HVAC,
- Check their license and certifications
- Find out if they are experienced with your specific HVAC installation
- Check whether they have transparency in pricing
- Find customer reviews.
Also, you can rely on the recommendations of relatives. Invest in an HVAC professional wisely and allow yourself to try the best services for your HVAC.
Steps of HVAC Installation in Houston
Experts suggest not relying on DIY methods or non-professionals for HVAC installation as it is a crucial process. So, you should pick a professional who will conduct the whole process effectively. Still, it is important to know the proper steps to check on the technician and ensure the installation process is up to the mark. Here are the key steps to install an HVAC.
1. Manual J Load Calculation
Manual J Calculation mainly determines the appropriate size of the HVAC required for your home based on some important factors.
The factors include:
– Square footage of the house
– The ceiling’s height
– Number of windows
– The number of occupants
– Insulation, Climate, etc.
Through this calculation, professionals find out the best-suited HVAC for you.
2. Design Ducts with Manual D
After finding the perfect match, the professional will design ductwork with Manual D calculations. This calculation ensures maximum airflow and reduces energy waste. Manual D usually helps to create a duct layout that is perfect for your home, avoids too many bends and turns, seals leaks, and maintains a balanced airflow.
Non-professionals cannot ensure such duct designs that can prevent leaks and increase efficiency. Moreover, poor sealing can lose 20% to 30% of air which makes the system inefficient.
3. HVAC Installation
After all inspection and designing, the professional will set up the new system in your home. During installation, professionals ensure proper connection to the ductwork and electrical components. The whole installation normally takes one to two days based on the type of HVAC.
4. Vent and Thermostat Placement
Proper placement of vents and thermostats ensures balanced airflow and keeps consistency in the temperature. HVAC professionals usually rely on Manual T for placing vents. They must avoid extremely hot or cold spots for vent placements. Moreover, an expert will avoid places to set a thermostat where direct sunlight falls, near heat sources, or on any exterior walls.
5. Test and Balance the System
Testing the system is one of the most essential parts after HVAC installation. It figures out whether the system is performing as intended or not. That’s why professionals test the system thoroughly after installation and check the key performance metrics. They also tune up and balance different settings if required.
Expert Post-Installation Tips
Just a good installation is not enough to get the best performance and efficiency from your HVAC. Experts like Francis Kaspar, an HVAC professional, suggest some tips for post-installation maintenance. These will help you run your HVAC for longer periods and get the best service from it.
- Change the air filters every 3 months. Pet hairs get stuck in the air filters and clog them quickly. Change more frequently, like every month, if you have a pet.
- Clean the outdoor unit for proper ventilation. Experts suggest a two-foot clearance for better airflow.
- Many parts of advanced HVAC are self-lubricating and do not require additional lubrication. However, older models of HVAC that do not have self-lubricating features require lubrication.
- Install a Carbon Monoxide detector and test monthly if there are any gas emissions. Carbon monoxide emission is a dangerous, odorless, and colorless gas. So, you can’t detect it without a detector.
- Install a Sloped or Condensate Drain Pan to flow away the condensation or moisture from your HVAC. It will help you avoid mold growth, unpleasant odors, and potential damage to your HVAC.
- Maintain the humidity level indoors in Houston. Focus on having 30 to 50% humidity to maintain a balanced indoor environment.
- Schedule at least an annual checkup with an HVAC professional to ensure the HVAC is operating perfectly.
Final Thoughts
As HVAC installation is a crucial process and a big investment, follow the ultimate guide to HVAC installation in Houston to conduct it correctly. Almost all the essential work is done by certified professionals. Still, you should know the steps to check on them and ensure your HVAC is perfectly set up.
Hire a qualified professional like The Chill Brothers to conduct the installation process properly. Your regular maintenance and tune-ups can increase the longevity of the system.
