HVAC Installation Facts
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning. It provides heating, airflow and cooling to a given home or building. There are many HVAC installation companies consumers can choose from to install a system. However, some do-it-yourselfers may choose to take on the project themselves. Regardless of who will be doing the installation, industry standards must be met to achieve a properly functioning HVAC system. The cost of installing a new HVAC system heavily depends on the size of the project, anywhere from a couple thousand to several thousand dollars. Does this Spark an idea?
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Criteria
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A quality HVAC system has several aspects. These systems should provide the correct airflow to meet a home or building's heat and cooling loads. Properly sealed duct work is essential to the proper functioning of any HVAC system. To maintain constant pressure, HVAC supply and return systems should have balanced air flow.
Design
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The ACCA (Air-Conditioning Contractors of America) sets the industry standard for proper installation and design of HVAC systems. ACCA Manual J procedure calculations need to be followed to determine proper air flow loads for each individual room serviced by the HVAC system. ACCA Manual D should be referenced to determine the proper size of the duct system that will be installed.
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Materials
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All drawbands need to have a minimum temperature rating of around 165 degrees Fahrenheit. They must also have a minimum rating for tensile strength of 50 pounds. Sealants need to be nontoxic and water-resistant. All sealants and meshes should have exterior use ratings. Air-handler boxes must be airtight. Ducts and fittings need to be made of galvanized metal, flexible duct or duct board.
Considerations
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All materials used for the construction of an HVAC system need to meet minimum industry standards. Minimum ratings of performance temperature, minimum flame spread ratings and minimum smoke development ratings need to be met. Duct work should not be constructed in such a way that it comes in contact with pipes, conduits or metal fixtures.
Thermostat
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A proper thermostat is one of the most critical aspects of an HVAC system. There are several different types of thermostats on the market that are all ideal for certain situations. Thermostats should be installed about 5 feet high in a location that receives good airflow and regular traffic. They should not be installed in an area that receives direct sunlight, behind a door or close to a vent.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kevin Dooley
