A couple of months ago, the HVAC unit in my home started malfunctioning. The temperature inside my home soared to over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, even though my air conditioning system ran nonstop. After inspecting my air conditioning unit, my knowledgeable HVAC contractor recommended I purchase a new system. He discussed the pros and cons of installing different sizes of HVAC units with me. After considering my HVAC contractor’s advice, I decided to purchase a three and a half ton HVAC unit. Shortly after my HVAC contractor installed my new air conditioning unit, my house started feeling more comfortable. On this blog, I hope you will discover how an HVAC contractor can help you select the right air conditioning unit for your home. Enjoy!
Having a heating, ventilation and air conditioner (HVAC) in the basement is necessary if you want to use it as an additional living place. However, HVAC-in-the-basement plans will only go right if you plan for it properly. For example, you need to keep these three precautions in mind before commencing the project:
Know Whether Your Existing System Will Suffice
Finishing your basement is like expanding your house; the existing HVAC may lack the capacity to cool and heat the additional space if it was designed exactly for your current house plan. Therefore, the first thing is to know your HVAC's capacity and determine whether it will serve the additional space. You may need to install a bigger HVAC system or add a separate system for the basement; talk to the technician to discuss the pros and cons of both routes. Installing a new system makes economic sense if the existing one is old and may be due for an upgrade in a few years.
Mind the Moisture
Basements are notoriously moist places, so you need a plan to deal with the moisture to prevent associated dangers such as mold growth. Here are a few measures to keep moisture out of your basement:
Don't Block Air Circulation
A typical basement is filled with heating and ventilation equipment, such as air handlers and furnaces. You don't have to worry about such items if your basement is unfinished and you don't use it for any other purpose other than holding such equipment. However, many people consider them unsightly when the basement is finished and used as an additional living place.
If that's the case with your basement, and you want to keep such installations out of view, be careful not to interfere with air circulation. The enclosure you choose should allow for air circulation considering how confined the basement can be. Additionally, the installations should also be accessible to make work easy in times of repairs or maintenance. Your local building codes may also have a say in the matter so consult those too before going ahead with the upgrade.
Clearly, this project is best left to a professional HVAC technician. In fact, you should involve a professional right from the planning stages of the project. Contact a company like Total Comfort Heating & Air Condition for more information and assistance.
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