Should You Get 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 more square footage in your house is sure to be convenient. Just don’t forget to think over the heating and cooling requirements of the new space. One of those factors should include whether you should upgrade your HVAC system for a home addition in the U.S.. Our guidebook will help you as you get started with the process.

Option 1: No Upgrade Needed

If the home addition includes enlarging an area rather than building totally new rooms, you may not need to upgrade the HVAC system at all. This is usually the situation if your heating and cooling equipment was too big to begin with. Get a load calculation from a professional technician, like one from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing by calling 866-397-3787. This will affect if your present HVAC equipment can handle the modifications you’ve made to your residence.

Option 2: HVAC System Upgrade

Another option for getting heat and air conditioning into your home addition is to extend the ductwork from your present forced-air unit. If you have radiators or baseboard heating, you can lengthen hot water piping to the new room.

Please note that, along with ductwork or water piping, you could also have to install HVAC equipment to handle the bigger load. The subsequent increase in electricity consumption could even call for an enhanced electrical panel. If your heating and cooling system needs to be replaced soon, this may be a good solution.

Option 3: Get a Ductless Mini-Split

In place of installing a new unit to manage the extra space, you can add an independent one. Ductless mini-splits are perfect for this. They have two parts. There’s a condensing system that sits on cement near your home, much like an air conditioner. Then there’s the small indoor blower that is installed to the ceiling or wall.

Similar to a central heat pump, mini-split HVAC systems provide both heating and cooling for continual comfort from one piece of equipment.

Since there’s a wall- or ceiling-mounted air handler, you don’t need ductwork. You can even add up to four indoor blowers with one outdoor unit for zoned heating and cooling in different parts of your house. A ductless mini-split could be the ideal HVAC option for your home addition if:

• • Your present system can’t handle the extra room, and you’re not able to replace it all right away.

• • The old and new rooms have differing heating and cooling needs.

• • You would like to add air conditioning to your residence without installing or adding on to the ductwork.

If you need help figuring out which HVAC option is best, let Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing provide our advice. We have a lot of experience helping homeowners adjust their indoor comfort, with a passion for efficiency and eco-friendly HVAC systems.

We’ll start the process by conducting a load calculation to learn your needs. Then, we can give cost listings for ductwork installation and system upgrades vs. installing a ductless mini-split HVAC system. We’ll present you with all the possibilities so you can make an informed decision. To begin, reach at 866-397-3787 to schedule an appointment today!