Heat installation guide

You also want to think carefully about where to install the thermostat, which allows you to set the temperature in your home and regulates the entire HVAC system. It is best to keep the thermostat indoors and away from any draftiness that could affect its readings of the overall temperature. The thermostat should also be kept away from ducts, which will direct air toward the device and likely tamper with temperature readings.

To improve energy efficiency, you can install a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature reading to create optimal living conditions. If you have a central heating unit already in place, a technician only needs to make a few modifications to your system. There should already be a duct system that connects to your furnace or central heating system , and the air conditioner simply needs to be introduced to this ductwork. It is important to have a technician check to make sure that the ducts are properly connected.

Otherwise, the system could possibly leak and reduce energy efficiency. Even with existing ductwork, you might need to make some changes to your system to make sure that the new unit can properly function in relation to the heating system.

Possible alterations include having your furnace or heating system altered to accommodate the introduction of the air conditioner and modifying the duct system so that quality air is spread effectively and efficiently through your home.

No HVAC installation guide would be complete without addressing what do if your house needs an entirely new duct system. Not every home has ductwork built-in, but this is not a problem for a trained technician. If your home needs to be outfitted with new ductwork, then your technician will create a floor plan and determine how to complete the installation in an unobtrusive way as possible.

The best places to put ducts are spaces that are hidden from view such as closets or if you have multiple floors, attic ceilings. The technician will make sure that every aspect of your HVAC system is installed without making major renovations to your home. With any new installation come cost considerations. There is not a set price for this type of renovation, and the cost of installing a new unit varies and depends on multiple factors:.

A technician will inspect your home prior to completing the air conditioning installation and can provide a cost estimate. The technician will check every element of your existing heating and cooling system to determine what is best for your home. There are many considerations to keep in mind when installing a new air conditioning system. As temperatures start to rise, you will want to have the perfect HVAC system to control the air quality of your home. With the help of an HVAC installation guide and a trained technician, you can ensure that your home is comfortable, energy-efficient, and ready to take on the heat.

The This Old House Reviews Team created this comprehensive guide that breaks down the HVAC installation costs and unit prices for the three most common heating and cooling systems: air conditioners, furnace heaters, and heat pumps.

Keep reading to learn more about each system and how much you should expect to pay for a new one. HVAC, or Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning is a broad term that can represent multiple systems in your home that work together to heat or cool the air that circulates throughout the house. Each type of HVAC system can come in various models and subtypes, depending on your preference and home compatibility. Air conditioning is a must-have to keep your house comfortable during the summer months.

Here are more details about the two common types of air conditioning units found in homes:. A furnace is a separate unit from your air conditioner, but it typically uses the same ductwork for circulation and ventilation. Although most homes have split heating and cooling units that make up their entire HVAC system, there are high-efficiency hybrid options, such as heat pumps, for those who want one unit to do all the work.

This is because they combine heating and cooling and typically use less energy to operate, saving you money on your electricity and gas bills. Based on our research of general estimated costs from reviewing estimates from contractors and retail prices from heating and cooling stores, we determined the following estimated averages for HVAC installation costs and unit pricing.

In some cases, you may not need to replace your HVAC unit. If your air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump needs repairs rather than an installation, you could save a substantial amount of money. Below are some average repair costs for HVAC systems to give you an idea of what to expect.

In general, heat pumps offer the most efficient HVAC systems since they convert temperatures from the air, water, or ground to condition the air that circulates throughout your home, requiring less gas or electricity. However, they may not be best for homeowners living in colder climates, with temperatures consistently dropping below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

They can also be more expensive than other HVAC options. We recommend consulting with an HVAC professional to help determine which system makes the most sense for your home.