The 5 Teeth-Gnashing Costs of an Improperly Installed HVAC System

Thinking about installing a new HVAC system in your home? Naturally, you’ll want to compare prices and look for a reputable contractor. Before you settle for the cheapest system and lowest bid, consider how much a poor choice can really cost you.

Upgrading home your home with energy-efficient improvements for heating and cooling management gives homeowners some of the highest returns on investment. But new windows, energy-saving HVAC units, and new ductwork won’t save you anything if they aren’t properly installed. In fact, improperly installing new systems could cost you big time.

Here are a few examples.

1. Faulty Duct Work Installation

If ductwork joints aren’t sealed or insulated properly, you could be leaking much more than air. Leaking ductwork could result in as much as $1 out of every $4 going to pay for lost energy. On a $200 monthly bill, that means you’re throwing away $50 a month. And it also means that your system is working harder with poorer results.

2. System and Duct Work Aren’t Compatible

Replacing your system without considering the existing ductwork is just asking for trouble. Installing a larger unit, such as replacing a 2-ton unit with a 3-ton unit, without enlarging the ductwork causes the unit to run longer and less efficiently. This increases, rather than decreases, utility bills.

3. Improperly Installed Drains

Improperly installed drains can lead to very expensive repairs. Damage from condensation overflow can leak, causing water damage to walls and ceilings. To prevent mold and mildew and restore your surfaces could cost hundreds of dollars, but it’s critical to protect your family’s health and prevent further damage.

4. Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is what cools your air in the air conditioner. Improper installation, however, can leave you with a refrigerant leak. Besides being a dangerous chemical leak, leaking refrigerant will increase your utility bills by as much as 20% and shorten the life of your unit.

5. Oversized Unit

When it comes to air conditioning, you want a unit that meets the needs of your home. If you work with an HVAC installer who chooses an oversized unit for your home, you could be dealing with a number of problems, including more humid air, higher costs, and more wear and tear on the unit. As a result, you could end up replacing your air conditioning much sooner than you were expecting.

As you can see, improper installation could cost a few hundred dollars or several thousand dollars, depending on the problem. The best way to avoid these headaches is to hire a reputable company to install your new unit.

When you are comparing companies look for a company that respects your time and money. A reliable contractor offers customer service and on-call service professionals to answer your questions before, during, and after the installation.