Here’s the kicker: all your dreams could turn into dust if your HVAC installation hasn’t been done correctly. A poorly installed HVAC system can quickly turn your dream of a perfectly conditioned home into a nightmare.
At The Chill Brothers, as trusted HVAC experts, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright ugly of HVAC installations. The “ugly” can cost you dearly, trust us!
So, in this post, we’re revealing the top HVAC installation missteps homeowners make and what you should do instead. Keep reading for essential HVAC installation tips to avoid costly mistakes and ensure peak performance from your system.
10 HVAC Installation Mistakes That Leave Your Home Uncomfortable
1. Choosing the Wrong HVAC Size
This is one of the most common and costly HVAC mistakes homeowners make when selecting a unit.
Undersized HVAC Units
Too small AC unit? It’ll run constantly, trying to keep up. The constant running leads to increased wear and tear. Not to mention, there’s always a chance of overheating and shutdowns (especially in the summer heat).
Oversized HVACs
What if your unit is too big? Bigger units aren’t always better. Larger (than your space requires) units short-cycle often. They lead to inconsistent temperatures and poor humidity control.
Expert Tip from The Chill Brothers: Getting the right-sized AC unit is not a guesswork. Always request a Manual J load calculation. Considers factors like your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, and even the climate you live in to ensure you get the right size.
Consult expert technicians to do the calculations for you if you want the most peace of mind.
2. Poor Ductwork Design
Want to avoid HVAC mistakes that waste energy? Start with inspecting your ductwork, because even the best system fails with leaky or poorly sized ducts.
An HVAC system with defective ductwork is like a high-performance car with a flat tire. Your duct system is the pathway that delivers comfort to your room. Yet it’s often overlooked in HVAC installations.
Leaky Ductwork
A leaky duct leads you to a leaky wallet. The leaky duct allows air to escape to the attic and work hard to condition your living space. As a result, your system works harder. For that, you pay more for energy usage and still don’t get consistent temperatures.
Wrong-Sized Ducts
Wrong-sized ductwork is another problem. Too small ducts restrict airflow and force your system to strain. Too large ductwork drops air velocity, leading to uneven temperatures.
Unsuitable Designs
Using old ductwork for a new system can severely hinder performance. Modern HVAC units are designed to work with specific airflow requirements.
Expert Tip from The Chill Brothers: Always have your ductwork inspected, including checking for leaks, proper sizing, and good insulation. Our expert team does a ductwork audit before every installation.
3. Overlooking Thermostat Optimization
The thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. Your new system deserves a smart thermostat instead of a clunky one from the ’90s.
Placing Thermostats in the Wrong Location
Some “wrong” locations for placing a thermostat would be exterior walls and near a drafty window. If you place it in direct sunlight or close to heat-emitting appliances (like a TV or lamp), the thermostat reads inaccurate temperatures.
The thermostat then signals wrong adjustments to the HVAC system. The output will not reflect the true comfort required based on the wrong input.
DIY Installations
DIY thermostat installations, especially for smart thermostats, can have two issues:
- Improper wiring
- Improper calibration
Improper wiring leads to system malfunction or even damage. If the calibration is wrong, the thermostat’s operation will be in jeopardy.
Expert Tip from The Chill Brothers: For installation and calibration of your thermostat, always trust a professional (especially when you install it the first time).
At The Chill Brothers, we not only install but also program smart thermostats with every eligible system. So you’re maximizing efficiency from day one.
4. Ignoring Air Quality Solutions
Did you know that you breathe over 11,000 liters of air per day, and indoor air can be significantly 5 times more polluted than outdoor air?
Installing a new HVAC system upgrades your home’s indoor air quality. Don’t compromise on air quality. Skipping air quality upgrades can lead to:
- Increased allergens and dust
- Mold and mildew problems
- Poor humidity control
- Breathing issues, especially for kids and seniors
Expert Tip from The Chill Brothers: Try to look for these air quality enhancements during installation-
- Whole-Home Air Purifiers
- UV Light Systems
- Humidity Control
- High-Efficiency Filters
We also offer bundled indoor air quality packages during installs to save you money and breathe cleaner.
5. The Refrigerant Rip-off
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system. The amount of refrigerant should be precise for optimal performance.
Too little refrigerant will struggle to cool and can lead to frozen evaporator coils.
Too much refrigerant damages the main component – the compressor, which is also a very expensive component.
Both of these issues often stem from improper charging during installation.
Expert Tip from The Chill Brothers: Refrigerant handling isn’t a DIY job. This should only be handled by certified HVAC technicians using specialized equipment. Improper handling of refrigerants can also cause environmental damage.
6. Skipping a Professional Installation
Yes, DIY saves money. However, DIY or hiring an unlicensed technician with a few-dollar labor fee won’t outweigh the risk.
It often leads to code violations, warranty voids, or safety risks, especially with gas lines or electrical connections.
Expert Tip from The Chill Brothers: Always hire licensed, insured professionals who specialize in HVAC. Local technicians are also knowledgeable about your local climate. Be sure that they’re up to date on local codes and permit requirements.
7. Not Checking for Rebates or Incentives
Utility companies (and even the federal government) often offer rebates for energy-efficient systems. Many homeowners miss out simply because they didn’t ask. Rebates significantly reduce upfront cost and save your long-term energy bills.
Expert Tip from The Chill Brothers: Make sure to ask for rebates and incentives. We track rebates for our customers and help you apply so you can keep more money in your pocket.
8. Not Considering the Long-Term Energy Costs
You might see many cheaper deals on the internet and think that cheaper units might look like a deal upfront. Sure, it will, but they often cost more over time in energy use and repairs.
Expert Tip from The Chill Brothers: Look for a high-SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) unit from a reputable brand. It will pay you back in lower bills every month.
9. Skipping a Home Evaluation
Like humans, every home is different. An HVAC system is not a cookie-cutter that will fit every home. That’s why home evaluation is important. A proper home evaluation includes:
- Checking for insulation and for attic conditions
- Evaluating both window placement and sunlight exposure
- Understanding how your family lives and uses the space
Expert Tip from The Chill Brothers: If a home evaluation is not included before installation, then ask for it. It is just as necessary to choose the right HVAC unit for your home.
10. Choosing the Wrong Company
You might be thinking, what’s wrong with selecting a random company? After all, they all provide HVAC units and services.
Let’s be honest that not all HVAC companies are created equal. Some use subcontractors with little oversight. Others push systems that don’t fit your needs.
Interestingly, some just vanish after installation, leaving you on your own when problems arise.
However, The Chill Brothers Promise:
- Not using subcontract
- To always provide transparent pricing
- Certified, background-checked, trained, and local technicians
- Always standing by before, during, and after installation for all HVAC needs
Invest in Comfort, Not Headaches
Installing an HVAC system is a huge, long-term investment. It’s not something that you want to redo over and over again.
We provide all the necessary steps required for a proper installation. Free house inspection before installation and providing information about rebates and discount packages is the icing on the top. So, are you ready to avoid HVAC regret? Get it done right the first time—with The Chill Brothers.
Visit TheChillBrothers.com or call us(+1 844-512-4455)today to schedule your consultation.
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