Whether you’re adding a second family room, a guest space or growing the kitchen, having additional square footage in your home is sure to prove useful. Just remember to consider the heating and cooling necessities of the new room. One of those considerations should include whether you should upgrade your HVAC system for a home addition in Columbus. Our guidebook will help you as you get started with the process.
Option 1: No Upgrade Needed
If the home addition includes expanding an area rather than building entirely new rooms, you may not need to upgrade the HVAC system at all. This is most likely the instance if your heating and cooling units were too large when they were installed. Request a load calculation from a pro technician, such as one from Stevenson Service Experts by calling 614-334-3192. This will affect if your existing HVAC setup can handle the modifications you’ve made to your home.
Option 2: Upgrade Your HVAC System
Another solution for delivering heat and air conditioning into your home addition is to lengthen the ductwork from your current forced-air system. If you have radiators or baseboard heating, you can lengthen hot water piping to the new area.
Bear in mind that, along with ductwork or water piping, you might also have to install HVAC equipment to manage the higher load. The subsequent increase in electricity consumption could even require an electrical panel upgrade. 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
Instead of upgrading your existing unit to handle the additional space, you can put in a separate one. Ductless mini-splits are ideal for this. They use two parts. There’s a condensing unit that is placed on the ground near your home, similar to an air conditioner. Then there’s the small indoor blower that is placed on the ceiling or wall.
Akin to a central heat pump, mini-split HVAC systems offer both heating and cooling for constant comfort from one solution.
Since it has a wall- or ceiling-mounted air handler, no ductwork is required. You can even link up to four indoor units with one outdoor unit for zoned heating and cooling in differing parts of your house. A ductless mini-split may be the right HVAC option for your home addition if:
- Your existing system can’t absorb the additional square footage, and you’re not ready to replace every part right away.
- The old and new rooms have differing heating and cooling needs.
- You are looking to add air conditioning to your residence without putting in or extending the ductwork.
If you need help figuring out which HVAC option is ideal, let Stevenson Service Experts give our suggestions. We have a wealth of experience helping homeowners dial in their indoor comfort, with a commitment to efficiency and eco-friendly HVAC solutions.
Let us start by doing a load calculation to figure out your needs. Then, we can offer cost comparisons for ductwork installation and system upgrades vs. installing a ductless mini-split HVAC system. We’ll offer you all the solutions so you can make a smart decision. To start, call at 614-334-3192 to schedule an appointment right away!