HVAC Systems in Remodeling Projects
It’s smart to look at your heating and air conditioning system when you’re doing a home addition or expansion. The last thing you want is to spend money on a beautiful addition that is uncomfortable to use because the temperature isn’t right and can’t be adjusted. Most suburban homes in moderately built neighborhoods will have a system that can maintain an addition comfortably. However, sometimes when building a second or third floor onto a home or creating a large first-floor addition, the existing HVAC system can’t handle the load. That’s when you evaluate the options.
Zone heating and cooling is a common solution. Your custom remodeler should be able to determine whether or not you’ll need more than one zone. Because heat rises, if you’re building upward, you may want to consider putting in a cooling system for the upper levels and keeping the original on the first floor. You could also convert the current system for the existing areas and add a new system for the addition. Mini-split systems are also a good, cost-effective alternative. These systems can be multi-head units from the same high-efficiency outside unit, which allow control in each individual room.
Your contractor can bring in an HVAC specialist to help you make decisions on the most economical and efficient ways to utilize your existing HVAC system. In addition, you may find that remodeling is the perfect time to replace an aging HVAC unit. The replacement will add to your construction updates and it can be factored into the time and cost of the remodel. Most importantly, your new space will have the creature comforts of home.
