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The quality of a furnace installation is just as important as the make model that you purchase. When you’re about to invest your hard-earned money on a new furnace, you must first understand that proper installation is crucial to make it work. The last thing you need is a furnace that fails beyond repair after just a few months of use. Therefore, if you want your equipment to function correctly, you need to ensure that it is installed correctly. Likewise, the new equipment must be sized correctly for it to do its job. This article talks about the value of proper furnace installation.
What’s A Manual J Load Calculation And Why Is It Necessary?
Before you install a new furnace, an HVAC contractor must perform a Manual J load calculation. This way, they can come up with a figure that will determine the correct capacity and size of your equipment.
The purpose of a Manual J Load calculation is to measure the heating and/or cooling capacity of an HVAC system while factoring in things like the materials present in the house or building and the living area’s square footage. Other factors that determine the proper HVAC equipment size include the level of insulation and the position of the walls.
This calculation helps determine the capacity of the equipment, which usually is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) and tons. The HVAC ton refers to the capacity of the equipment to melt 1,000 kilograms (1 ton) of ice in 24 hours. A ton equals 12,000 BTUs/hour.
The Manual J calculation is essential since every building or house has unique heating and cooling needs. Several factors affect the demand for heating and/or cooling, including the design and structure of the building, materials, and the number of residents. The only way to keep the indoor space’s temperature even and constant is to install the right capacity and size of the HVAC system.
If the equipment is undersized or oversized, the system becomes inefficient since it needs to work harder than it’s supposed to. An improperly sized system exhibits issues like short-cycling, where you notice the furnace turning on and off all the time. Another possible problem is a premature failure, owing to the system’s excess wear and tear. You will also experience discomfort since the equipment you installed fails to sufficiently heat or cool the living space.
Safety Concerns Linked To An Improperly Installed Furnace
When you have an improperly installed furnace, inconvenience is the least of your concerns. It can also result in a handful of safety issues, including:
Gas Leaks
The failure to securely connect the joints and cables could result in gaps, which in turn may lead to gas leaks. Gas-fired furnaces produce carbon monoxide – a colorless and odorless gas that is both combustible and poisonous. Gas inhalation has adverse effects on one’s health.
Furnace Electrical Issues
Improper furnace installation may also cause electrical or wiring issues. A bad wiring job could result in faulty wiring that can drain the power of your system, trip the breaker, or create a fire. Likewise, there are countless instances of property owners complaining about the inefficiency of a newly installed HVAC system, only to realize later that a botched installation job that led to an electrical issue is the cause. An inefficient system means you’re paying more than you should.
Home Comfort Issues Caused By An Improperly Installed Furnace
Discomfort
The incorrect installation of your furnace will put unnecessary pressure on your system, which usually corresponds to utter discomfort. When the system fails to function correctly, it will lead to specific issues like:
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Your HVAC system plays a critical role in producing the quality of indoor air. So, if there is a poorly designed or installed drain system, it could lead to a water leak. You know that leakages compromise your home’s structural integrity, not to mention the prospect of mold and mildew buildup. The presence of mold and mildew on your property results in poor indoor air quality.
Problems With Air Distribution
The improper installation of the furnace and the duct system can lead to reduced air distribution. Air distribution problems happen when the output capacity fails to match the size of the ducts. Uneven air distribution results in inefficiency.
Hot Or Cold Spots
Any issue with the installation of the duct system and furnace may also correspond to hot and cold spots at home. It is an annoying issue wherein some parts of the house feel colder or warmer than the others. It is something you don’t want to happen because it reduces the level of comfort.
Issues With Furnace Venting
Improper venting may also result in issues related to how your HVAC system performs. For example, if you install the wrong sized vent pipes or maybe you chose the wrong material, it can force your system to work harder and lead to unnecessary stress.
Choosing A Professional To Install Your Furnace
The most sensible solution for proper furnace installation is to hire an experienced and licensed HVAC company. But before you talk to the prospects on your list, be sure to check these things:
Industry Certifications And NATE
Heating and cooling technicians who pass the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) core and specialty tests are given a certification, which they can showcase as proof of their expertise. NATE is an independent body that aims at maintaining a high standard of professionalism and skills for HVAC technicians in providing installation, repair, and maintenance services. Obtaining a NATE certificate means that the technician is competent to charge for his or her professional services.
Licensed And Bonded
Licensed HVAC technicians are qualified and trained to perform highly specific tasks as required by the industry. A licensed technician implies that he or she offers competent work and professional output when hired. On the other hand, a license bond is a surety bond that provides the customer with the guarantee and protection against problems related to the performance of the job, including damage to property and injury.
HVAC Contractor References
When you’re about to hire an HVAC company for furnace installation or replacement job, don’t forget to ask for references. A competent and reputable company gets praise and positive feedback from their previous and existing clients. So, there shouldn’t be any problem for them to recommend the company if they had a satisfactory experience with their services.
Conclusion
Heating and cooling contractors and technicians play a crucial role in keeping our homes comfortable. The ideal installation of a new furnace system is not possible without the expertise of a professional HVAC crew. Once you determine the right size and installation is carried out by an expert, then you get a return on your investment by way of maximum comfort, efficiency, and safety.
Give Wilcox Energy A Call Today For Your Heating Needs
Wilcox Energy provides premium and reliable heating and cooling services in the area. Our team is made up of NATE certified HVAC technicians who are competent and fully equipped to perform maintenance, repairs, tune-ups, replacement, and installation services.
If you need a dependable team for heating system repair or installation, choose Wilcox Energy. We offer the best furnace repair and replacement service in the area at the most reasonable cost. If you need help in selecting a replacement system, but you’re on a tight budget, then we’re more than happy to help you narrow down your choices. Call us at your most convenient time for a free, in-home estimate.
For more information about our HVAC services, be sure to contact Wilcox Energy. You can click here to contact us, or you can call us at (860) 399-6218 to find out more. We offer a full line of heating and cooling repairs, maintenance services, and installations.