Welcome to my blog! My name is Darren. My friends say that I am boring because I love the HVAC system in my home. I am not an HVAC professional, I just love the gentle hum of my air conditioning system as it gently brings the air in my home to the perfect temperature. When I was a kid, my family couldn't afford air conditioning so I spent many summers sweating away and feeling miserable. I vowed to myself then that when I grew up, I would have the best HVAC system money could buy. I hope you find my HVAC blog useful.
The performance of your central heating and cooling system is heavily dependent on where you install critical elements. Poor placement of parts such as the outdoor unit, thermostat, vents and ductwork can undermine the performance of the system. Thus, as you install your heating and cooling unit, here are tips on where to place key components of the system for optimal performance:
Outdoor Unit: Away From Obstacles and Direct Sunlight
The outdoor unit houses main parts of the central HVAC unit such as the compressor, condenser and electrical components. It is responsible for removing hot air from your home, and its placement can influence the efficiency of your air conditioner. If you place it in a location with inadequate air circulation, the unit may have to work harder to remove hot air. This may lead to inefficiencies.
Similarly, if you install the outdoor unit under direct sunlight, the components may overheat as a result of the solar radiation. Overheating causes the unit to work harder to circulate cold air, and this can cause damage to the electrical components. Place your outdoor unit in an area with adequate airflow, preferably away from bushes and other obstacles. Also, install an awning over the unit or place it under a shaded area to prevent overheating.
Ductwork: Away From Sharp Bends
Installing ductwork along sharp bends causes the pipes to bend to the shape. These bends restrict airflow and may lead to heating and cooling issues in some of the rooms in the house. Restricted airflow can also expose the refrigerant to freezing. During installation, ensure that your ducts aren't installed along walls with sharp corners and bends. Proper airflow will maximise the efficiency of the system and prevent frequent repairs.
Smart Thermostat: Away From Heat
The heat from electrical equipment or solar radiation can affect the performance of your thermostat. This component detects the temperatures in your home and adjusts the heater or AC accordingly. When it's placed in the line of direct sunlight or near hot appliances, it may record incorrect temperatures due to the heat. As a result, the thermostat will adjust the temperature of the room while relying on a false figure. Avoid this problem by installing your smart thermostat way from any form of heat.
Floor Air Vents: Away from Furniture and Appliances
If part of your HVAC ductwork is installed in the crawlspaces, you probably have floor vents to circulate warm air. These are incredibly efficient in heating living spaces. However, if you install the vents underneath obstacles, they may be unable to facilitate airflow. Furniture and appliances are the greatest culprits of hindering the performance of floor vents. Thus, design your vents installation with the location of your furniture and appliances in mind to avoid airflow problems.
As you install your central heating and cooling system, have these placement issues in mind to optimise the performance of the equipment!
Share29 May 2020
