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

Whether you’re putting on a second family room, a guest area or growing the kitchen, having additional square footage in your house is sure to prove useful. Just don’t forget to think about the heating and cooling needs of the new area. One of those points should involve whether you should upgrade your HVAC system for a home addition in Windsor. Our guide will help you as you get started with the process. 

Option 1: No Upgrade Necessary 

If the home addition calls for growing a space rather than building totally new rooms, you may not need to upgrade the HVAC system at all. This is often the instance if your heating and cooling equipment was oversized when they were installed. Request a load calculation from a pro technician, such as one from Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts by calling 226-773-3357. This will determine if your existing HVAC setup can manage the changes you’ve made to your home. 

Option 2: Replace Your HVAC System 

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

Please note that, in addition to ductwork or water piping, you could also have to install HVAC equipment to manage the higher load. The subsequent increase in electricity usage may even require a new electrical panel. If your heating and cooling system is due for a replacement soon, this may be a good solution. 

Option 3: Get a Ductless Mini-Split 

Rather than upgrading your existing equipment to manage the added square footage, you can get an independent one. Ductless mini-splits are perfect for this. They consist of two parts. There’s a condensing system that is installed on a slab outside, similar to an air conditioner. Then there’s the small indoor blower that mounts on the ceiling or wall. 

Like a central heat pump, mini-split HVAC systems offer both heating and cooling for year-round comfort from one piece of equipment. 

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

• Your current system can’t handle the added space, and you’re not ready to replace it all right now. 
• The old and additional spaces have varying heating and cooling needs. 
• You want to add air conditioning to your residence without getting or lengthening the ductwork. 

If you need help determining which HVAC option is ideal, let Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts provide our advice. We have a wealth of experience helping homeowners dial in their indoor comfort, with a passion for efficiency and eco-friendly HVAC systems. 

Let us start by completing a load calculation to determine your needs. Then, we can provide cost listings for ductwork installation and system upgrades vs. getting a ductless mini-split HVAC system. We’ll offer you all the possibilities so you can make an informed decision. To get started, call at 226-773-3357 to schedule an appointment today!