As the weather in Cheyenne, Wyoming, starts to change, many people start thinking about home improvement projects. Some projects like painting or refreshing flooring are purely cosmetic. But more serious remodeling projects can be both cosmetically and functionally important. Because the layout of your home helps regulate indoor temperature and air quality, properly functioning HVAC equipment is always important.
Home improvement projects can change the layout of your home or impact its heating and cooling needs. With your existing HVAC system, more time or energy may be needed to accommodate the renovated space. HVAC zoning or other upgrades can be a great solution to this problem. By dividing your home into temperature zones, you can better control the indoor environment of each zone. HVAC zoning also allows you to save energy by only heating or cooling the areas that you are using.
Even if you didn’t set out to upgrade your HVAC system, doing so during a home improvement project can be great timing. Let’s review why you should upgrade your HVAC system during home renovations in Cheyenne. We’ll also take a look at a particular piece of equipment that can help.
Changes to Your Home Can Change HVAC Requirements
If you’ve already made changes to your home, you might have noticed that your HVAC system doesn’t work exactly like it used to. Maybe there are stubborn hot and cold spots, or you find yourself using the thermostat more often than you’d like. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to know that changes to your home can impact your HVAC system’s size and performance.
For example, if you’ve put an addition on your home, you might need a larger HVAC system to accommodate the extra space. Similarly, if you’ve converted an attic or basement into living space, that area will need to be heated and cooled just like the rest of your home. Other changes like installing new windows or adding insulation can also impact your HVAC system’s size and performance.
The size of your HVAC system is determined by a number of factors, including the square footage of your home, the climate you live in and the number of people living in your home. It can also be affected by large windows, tall ceilings and other architectural features. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 20 BTU (British Thermal Units) for each square foot of living space. You can get a better idea of your home’s specific HVAC requirements by working with a trusted service company or an HVAC sizing calculator.
Does Adding HVAC Increase My Home Value?
Once you know the HVAC requirements for your home, you can determine how home improvement projects might change them. Fortunately, just like adding more living space, adding HVAC increases the value of your home. A new furnace or air conditioner can be a great addition to home improvement projects. When installed by professionals, they can offer many years of reliable comfort and energy efficiency. Modern heating and cooling can make a serious difference in the total value with benefits like:
- High energy efficiency
- Two- or variable-speed blower motors
- Smart thermostat compatibility
- And more
But depending on the extent of your home improvement project, you don’t necessarily have to upgrade your heating and cooling itself. You could also try installing a useful HVAC accessory knowing as a zoning system.
An HVAC Zoning System Can Help
An HVAC zoning system is a great way to keep your home energy efficient after renovations. With a system of dampers placed in your ductwork, you can fine-tune where heating and cooling is sent. This allows you to set different temperatures for different areas of your home based on their “zone.” For example, you might keep the bedrooms cooler at night and the living room warmer during the day. A zoning system is perfect for home improvement projects because you can adjust for changes without buying an entirely new HVAC system.
HVAC zoning can save you money on your energy bill and keep your home more comfortable year-round. But what if it’s still not enough? Depending on the age of your furnace or air conditioner, it might be a good idea to go ahead and upgrade the rest of your HVAC system. You can save on labor costs for installation, and local experts can ensure your new equipment runs at peak performance from the beginning.
You can request installation service or more information from AC Mechanical by giving them a call today at 307-778-0515.
