Does a Home Addition Call for Upgrading My HVAC System?

Whether you’re putting on a second family room, a guest space or expanding the kitchen, having more square footage in your home is sure to be handy. Just remember to think about the heating and cooling necessities of the new area. One of those factors should involve whether you should upgrade your HVAC system for a home addition in West Palm Beach. Our guidebook will help you as you begin the process.

Option 1: No Upgrade Needed

If the home addition includes enlarging an area as opposed to building entirely new rooms, you may not need to enhance the HVAC system at all. This is usually the case if your heating and cooling system was oversized to begin with. Schedule a load calculation from an Expert technician, like one from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by calling 561-629-1826. This will figure out if your existing HVAC system can take on the changes you’ve made to your home.

Option 2: Replace Your HVAC System

Another option for getting heat and air conditioning into your home addition is to lengthen the ductwork from your existing forced-air unit. If you use radiators or baseboard heating, you can extend hot water piping to the new area.

Be aware that, along with ductwork or water piping, you may also have to add HVAC equipment to manage the increased load. The subsequent increase in electricity consumption might even require a new electrical panel. If your heating and cooling system needs to be replaced soon, this might be a good solution.

Option 3: Get a Ductless Mini-Split

Rather than upgrading your existing equipment to cover the added area, you can add a stand-alone one. Ductless mini-splits are ideal for this. They use two parts. There’s a condensing component that is installed on the ground outdoors, much like an air conditioner. Then there’s the small indoor blower that is placed to the ceiling or wall.

Similar to a central heat pump, mini-split HVAC systems provide both heating and cooling for continual comfort from a sole piece of equipment.

Since it has a wall- or ceiling-mounted air handler, zero ductwork is required. You can even add up to four indoor blowers with one outdoor unit for zoned heating and cooling in different parts of your home. A ductless mini-split might be the right HVAC system for your home addition if:

• Your current system can’t handle the additional square footage, and you’re not able to replace every part right now.
• The old and new rooms have varying heating and cooling needs.
• You would like to add air conditioning to your residence without putting in or extending the ductwork.

If you need help figuring out which HVAC option is ideal, let Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning give our advice. We have a wealth of experience helping homeowners adjust their indoor comfort, with a dedication to efficiency and eco-friendly HVAC options.

We’ll get started by completing a load calculation to determine your needs. Then, we can give cost listings for ductwork installation and system upgrades vs. installing a ductless mini-split HVAC system. We’ll give you all the options so you can make a wise decision. To begin, reach at 561-629-1826 to schedule an appointment today!