Improper Furnace Installations Can End Up Costing You More Money

The function and efficiency of any equipment depend not just on the equipment itself but also its installation. HVAC experts recommend proper furnace installation to ensure safety and comfort for homeowners. With an improper furnace installation, furnace failure and other serious problems can occur. The quality of the installation also impacts the operation and function of the heating system, particularly its performance and efficiency. As long as the furnace system is sized and installed properly, it will work safely. Let’s take a look at the process of proper furnace installation and its importance.

The Manual J Load Calculation & Why HVAC Size Matters

Before having your furnace installed, an HVAC contractor will need to perform a Manual J load calculation. This one essential step is critical in determining the size and capacity of the HVAC system. So what exactly is a Manual J load calculation?

The Manual J Load calculation is a measurement that considers several factors that affect how an HVAC system can perform. These factors help determine the HVAC system’s heating/cooling capacity that will match the comfort needs of your home. Factors include:

• the area of a home (square footage)
• materials
• insulation (type and level)
• wall positions
• other aspects of the home
• immediate environment

With the Manual J Load calculation, the capacity of an HVAC system can be determined. Capacity or size is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) and tons. One HVAC ton refers to the furnace system’s capacity to melt 1,000 kilos of ice in 24 hours. One HVAC ton is equivalent to 12,000 BTUs per hour.

How is the Manual J load calculation helpful? Consider this: every home is unique because of its design, size, structure, materials, and even the number of occupants. This is why the HVAC system has to be the right size to ensure that indoor temperatures are kept constant and even.

The wrong size can pose several problems for the homeowner. Whether it is undersized or oversized, the HVAC system will become overworked and inefficient. It may also become susceptible to short cycling, an issue wherein the furnace switches on and off continuously. The system may also fail prematurely due to excessive wear-and-tear since it cannot keep up with heating/cooling demands.

Why Improperly Installed Furnaces Have Safety Issues

An improperly installed furnace can cause inconvenience and serious safety risks. Some of the most common problems that could occur, include:

Gas Leaks

A furnace system must have airtight connections to prevent gaps between joints. If these gaps are present, the system will leak gas, which can become very problematic. Gas leaks can cause fires and explosions.

Electrical Issues

One of the dangers of improper furnace installation is faulty wiring. Faulty wiring occurs when a technician fails to install the heating system correctly. Faulty wiring can lead to power drains, the circuit breaker tripping, and an increase in the risk of fire. A system that is not wired correctly can become inefficient, which can lead to unnecessary costs.

Discomfort Associated With Improper Furnace Installations

If the furnace system was not installed properly, it suffers from unnecessary burdens. It can make living indoors uncomfortable, especially during the cold months. When a system does not work properly, it could lead to problems, including:

Indoor Air Quality Issues

Healthy indoor air quality is the result of a properly functioning HVAC system. If the drain system was not designed well, water can leak and damage your home. Water that pools or collects on surfaces can also increase the likelihood of mold and mildew growth, which can lead to poor quality indoor air.

Air Distribution Problems

A duct system that was poorly put together can also cause a poor distribution of air. If the output capacity of the HVAC system is not compatible with the duct size, the air will not be distributed evenly. As a result, there will be uneven temperatures and severe inefficiency.

Hot And Cold Spots

Problems with air distribution can also cause hot and cold spots to appear in your home. If some areas are colder or warmer than they should, then your system is not working correctly.

Furnace Venting Issues

Proper venting is critical for the HVAC system to work correctly. Vent pipes must be the correct size and material. Furthermore, the system should have proper ventilation to avoid problems with the HVAC system.

Also, furnaces with venting issues release a poisonous gas known as carbon monoxide. It is colorless, odorless, and combustible. Exposure to this gas can lead to health problems or fatalities for members of the household and their pets.

Choosing The Best HVAC Contractor To Install Your Furnace

The best way to ensure that the installation of your furnace is correct is to hire an experienced, licensed, and trusted HVAC company. To find the best heating contractor, consider the following non-negotiables:

NATE & HVAC Industry Certifications

A NATE certification is an important document for heating and cooling professionals. NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. It is a professional, independent body that administers certification tests to determine the skill level of technicians working in the HVAC industry. Also, the tests are knowledge-based, measuring the technician’s capability to pass core and specialty exams. A technician with a NATE certification is someone who has passed the standard set in the industry as proof that they are competent in their chosen field.

License And Bonded

Technicians who acquire their licenses have undergone the proper training and learned the necessary skills to make them qualified to perform their jobs. Licensed technicians are capable of performing competent work. Therefore, they can offer accurate, correct, and safe repairs, checkups, and installation services. A bond, on the other hand, refers to the surety bond that a technician (or the HVAC company) carries as insurance. This provides protection to their clients in case of any problems with their work.

HVAC Contractor Reviews

HVAC installation companies often rely on good word-of-mouth from satisfied clients to promote their business. If you want to know what an installation company can do for you, ask them for references. Competent HVAC installation companies will be more than happy to provide you with a list of clients to call.

Conclusion

HVAC installation companies perform a vital service to ensure that our home is safe and comfortable. Homeowners must work closely with them so that the furnace system installation is accurate. The right-sized furnace system not only keeps you safe, but it can also assure you of comfort and efficiency all year long.

Call Lawes Company For Your HVAC Requirements

Lawes Company is one of the leading authorities in heating and cooling in the region. Our technicians are NATE-certified to ensure that they bring only the kind of expertise and competitive service that is already synonymous with our name.

We offer a range of services from installations and tune-ups, to repairs and replacements. We make sure our technicians are up-to-date with the latest technology and best practices so they can only offer the best to you in terms of service and expertise.

Lawes Company guarantees the most competitive services in furnace installation, replacement, and repairs in the area. Years of experience in the industry have taught us to prioritize your comfort, health, and budget needs. As such, you can expect only the best services that will promote and maintain energy efficiency, indoor air quality, comfort, and safety. Furthermore, we back our work with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. Call us now to schedule a free in-home estimate today.

Contact us now at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!