3 Tips For Designing An HVAC System Before Installation

When it comes to designing a new HVAC system for installation, there are several questions that need to be answered. You want to make sure your HVAC system is of the right size, type, and power for your home’s needs. Choosing the right air conditioner size, the right furnace size, and finding the right thermostat location can also help you design your new system.

Choosing the right air conditioner size

The very first question that needs to be answered when designing your HVAC system is how many tons of air conditioning your house needs. The design of your entire AC system starts with finding this amount. The square footage of your home, the materials used, and the number of doors and windows all play a part in the size of your unit. The materials that make up your home have a huge impact on the efficiency of your HVAC system. A newer home with proper insulation will need about 2 tons per 600 square feet. This number will change based on how well your home is insulated or sealed. If you need help determining the correct size for your AC unit, you can always contact a professional HVAC installation technician for advice.

Determining the furnace size

The size of your furnace (or heater) can be determined using the same information as your AC unit, but it is measured in BTUs instead of tons. You must additionally consider the fan potential of the furnace. The fan must be able to push out an adequate amount of air in order to assist the air conditioner. A general rule of thumb is that about 400 cubic feet per minute is needed for every ton of air conditioning.

Your furnace should be located as close to your AC unit as possible. You should try to place the furnace in a central location inside your home to help provide you with more location options for your AC unit. Placing the furnace centrally will help keep the home at an even temperature as well. You should also consider where you will vent the chimney. With a low efficiency system, you want to be close to the framed space where the chimney will run upwards through your home. A high efficiency HVAC system will vent from the side of your home, so you will have less restrictions on furnace location.

Finding the right location for the thermostat

The placement of your thermostat is a much easier decision when compared with designing the rest of your HVAC system. Yet, there are a few rules to follow when determining a location for your thermostat. Like the furnace, the thermostat should be placed in a central location in your home. You should not place the thermostat on a wall where it will be exposed to consistent sunlight or in a closed room. Do not put the thermostat right above a supply air vent and make sure it is at least 5 feet above the floor.

When it comes to the installation of a thermostat wire, you will need a low voltage 4 wire. This wire will help the HVAC system operate effectively. Consider running an 8 wire thermostat if the system is permanent and you would like additions in the future.

Installing an HVAC system is a complicated task. Experts can help you determine the right HVAC system for your home and install it efficiently. If you would like to install a new HVAC system in your home, contact the professionals at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical, Inc. in Amarillo, Texas today. We provide residential, commercial, and heavy industrial HVAC services throughout the Texas Panhandle and Tri-State area, including Amarillo, Borger, Dumas, and Pampa. If you have any questions, give us a call at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us via email. You can also visit us in person at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo.