Should You Install a New HVAC System for a Home Addition? 

Whether you’re putting on a second family room, a guest suite or growing the kitchen, having additional square footage in your home is sure to prove useful. Just keep in mind you need to consider the heating and cooling needs of the new room. One of those factors should cover whether you should upgrade your HVAC system for a home addition in the U.S.. Our instructions will help you as you take the first step in the process.

Option 1: No Upgrade Required

If the home addition calls for growing an area instead of putting on completely new rooms, you may not need to upgrade the HVAC system at all. This is often the case if your heating and cooling equipment was too big when they were installed. Book a load calculation from an Expert technician, like one from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing by calling 866-397-3787. This will decide if your present HVAC equipment can handle the modifications you’ve made to your residence.

Option 2: Replace Your HVAC System

Another idea for delivering heat and air conditioning into your home addition is to extend the ductwork from your existing forced-air equipment. If you rely on radiators or baseboard heating, you can extend hot water piping to the new room.

Be mindful that, in addition to ductwork or water piping, you could also have to install HVAC equipment to handle the higher load. The following increase in electricity consumption could even require an enhanced electrical panel. If your heating and cooling system is due for a replacement soon, this may be a good solution.

Option 3: Get a Ductless Mini-Split

Rather than getting a new unit to manage the added square footage, you can put in an independent one. Ductless mini-splits are perfect for this. They have two parts. There’s a condensing system that is installed on a slab near your home, similar to an air conditioner. Then there’s the compact indoor blower that is installed on the ceiling or wall.

Similar to a central heat pump, mini-split HVAC systems offer both heating and cooling for year-round comfort from one setup.

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

• • Your present system can’t absorb the extra room, and you’re not ready to replace everything today.

• • The old and expanded additions have different heating and cooling needs.

• • You are looking to add air conditioning to your house without putting in or extending the ductwork.

If you need help deciding which HVAC option is right for you, let Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing provide our recommendations. We have years of experience helping homeowners fine-tune their indoor comfort, with a dedication to efficiency and eco-friendly HVAC options.

We’ll start the process by completing a load calculation to determine your needs. Then, we can give cost comparisons for ductwork installation and system upgrades vs. putting in a ductless mini-split HVAC system. We’ll present you with all the solutions so you can make a smart decision. To begin, reach at 866-397-3787 to schedule an appointment now!