More Questions Answered About Replacing Your Home’s Heating and Air Conditioning System

HVAC answers

Today we’re going to touch on questions we receive about options, add-ons, and extras associated with replacing your central HVAC system.

  • Ductwork
    • Does my ductwork need to be replaced?
      • Do you have any hot or cold spots in your home? If yes, you may need new ductwork.
      • Have you had rodent issues or other major breeches in the system?  You may need to replace the ductwork.
      • Was there standing water under your home and the ducting is under the house? Probably would be best to replace the ductwork.
      • We will do a visual inspection to see if ductwork needs to be replaced. If we feel it will pass the state required testing, we will utilize your existing ductwork when possible. 
    • Should I have the ductwork cleaned?
      • Unless you have had a major breech in the system where attic/crawl space air has been pulling into the ductwork it typically shouldn’t need to be cleaned.
      • Most people don’t realize but if there is no filter, the equipment itself becomes the filter before the dirt can ever make it downstream to the supply ducting. Check out more here. 
  • Zoning and Controls
    • Can the new system be zoned for different areas of the house?
      • That depends- if the ductwork is accessible to add zone controls, dampers, and boxes we love to give the option of zoning. Especially for two-story homes!
    • What type of thermostat and control options are available?
  • Air Quality
    • Does the system include upgraded air filtration?
      • In ever application possible we include a filter cabinet that can hold a 4” pleated filter. Typically, these filters only need to be replaced annually which is great for the homeowner. You have less maintenance and higher indoor air quality than a standard 1” filter. 
      • If we cannot install the upgraded filter cabinet, we will install a grille or box that can house up to a 2” filter for better air quality than a standard filter when possible.
  • Relocating Equipment
    • Can my outdoor air conditioner be moved?
      • If you have a noisy air conditioner or outdoor heat pump right outside your bedroom window or on your patio, we can typically relocate them to a more discreet location.
    • I hate how the system looks up on my roof, can it be moved to the ground?
      • When you have a combo heating and cooling system on the roof and all the ductwork in the attic, the best option for relocation would be installing a split system with the blower in the attic and the a/c on the ground if possible.
        • You would be responsible for hiring a roofer to patch the opening left by the packaged system.
      • The same for a ground packaged unit, if you don’t want it on the side of the home, cutting in a split system can usually be done for an added investment.
    • I’d love to gain a closet and move my furnace out from inside my home, is that possible?
      • If there is adequate clearance up in the attic and we can relocate the electrical, refrigerant, and condensate lines properly we are happy to give you the option of moving the indoor portion of your HVAC system into the attic!