You’re building a home. There’s a lot to think about and plan for, but while you’re in the planning stage, don’t forget to think about how your HVAC system will contribute to your all-around energy efficiency and comfort. For that to happen, you need good HVAC design.
What Is Good HVAC Design?
An HVAC is a system, not just a piece of equipment. Some of the major issues you need to think about with your HVAC design:
- Making sure the home is airtight so that the system is efficient.
- Using computer software to determine the right cooling and heating capacity of the HVAC for your home, as well as the size of the equipment and the volume of air the ductwork needs to be able to move to provide adequate cooling and heating.
- Good ductwork design so that return air is adequate for cooling and heating, and supply air is adequate for distribution, so that your home does not have cold and hot spots. When planning ductwork, you may also think about a zoned system so that you can deliver more cool air to areas you know will be warmer, such as in front of picture windows or in areas where there are cathedral ceilings.
Additionally, an HVAC installer needs to plan for other factors that impact comfort, such as noise level, vibration, and indoor air quality.
The latter is particularly important, with most persons unaware of the role the HVAC system plays in air quality. For instance, your HVAC design can impact humidity levels. If humid conditions are likely to prevail in your home, a dehumidification system may be required. Or, you may need to install some sort of ventilation system to remove stale air and add fresh air. You might also think about the kind of filtration or air purification system you want to include, if at all, in order to keep airborne pollutants at a minimum.
HVAC design is a big job, so you need an experienced, knowledgeable contractor to help you with your plan. For more information, contact Ace Hardware Home Services.
