Should You Get a New HVAC System for a Home Addition? 

Whether you’re putting on a second family room, a guest suite or enlarging the kitchen, having more square footage in your house is sure to be handy. Just keep in mind you need to consider the heating and cooling needs of the new space. One of those points should cover whether you should upgrade your HVAC system for a home addition in the U.S.. Our guide will help you as you take the first step in the process.

Option 1: No Upgrade Necessary

If the home addition includes expanding a room as opposed to building totally new rooms, you may not need to improve the HVAC system at all. This is most likely the situation if your heating and cooling equipment was too big originally. Schedule a load calculation from a professional technician, like one from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing by calling 866-397-3787. This will decide if your current HVAC equipment can take on the changes you’ve made to your home.

Option 2: HVAC System Upgrade

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

Be aware that, along with ductwork or water piping, you could also have to add HVAC equipment to manage the higher load. The following increase in electricity usage could even require a new electrical panel. If your heating and cooling system is due for a replacement soon, this might be a good solution.

Option 3: Install a Ductless Mini-Split

Instead of upgrading your existing unit to manage the additional square footage, you can put in a stand-alone one. Ductless mini-splits are great for this. They have two parts. There’s a condensing component that is installed on the ground outside, similar to an air conditioner. Then there’s the compact indoor blower that mounts on the ceiling or wall.

Akin to a central heat pump, mini-split HVAC systems offer both heating and cooling for continual comfort from one system.

Since it includes a wall- or ceiling-mounted air handler, no ductwork is required. You can even link up to four indoor blowers with one outdoor unit for zoned heating and cooling in distinct parts of your home. A ductless mini-split may be the right HVAC solution for your home addition if:

• • Your existing system can’t handle the additional room, and you’re not able to replace it all today.

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

• • You are looking to add air conditioning to your house without installing or adding on to the ductwork.

If you need help determining which HVAC option is best, let Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing give our advice. We have a lot of experience helping homeowners fine-tune their indoor comfort, with a commitment to efficiency and eco-friendly HVAC systems.

Let us start by conducting a load calculation to learn your needs. Then, we can give cost comparisons for ductwork installation and system upgrades vs. getting a ductless mini-split HVAC system. We’ll present you with all the possibilities so you can make a wise decision. To start, call at 866-397-3787 to schedule an appointment right away!