What’s the Deal with Proper Furnace Installation?
As the temperature begins to drop and the chill begins to set in the vast majority of the U.S., many homeowners are beginning to realize that it may be time to replace their gas-fired furnaces. Purchasing a new furnace is an unfamiliar territory for most homeowners, and they may not know how important it is to have it properly installed, as the cost of the furnace may be their biggest concern.
It is very important that you leave the installation of your furnace to a properly trained HVAC technician. Your furnace is a critical and delicate component of your household, and a defective furnace can lead to frozen pipes or significant structural damage that could make your home unlivable.
All furnaces are equipped with highly technical fuel systems, sometimes including gas lines. These gas lines must be properly connected to ensure that there is no leakage of potentially harmful gasses in your home. Exhaust venting may also cause a health concern if it is done incorrectly.
HVAC technicians can provide a proper furnace installation service and assure you that it will serve you well without any health risks to you or your family. It may be tempting to try to save a few dollars on installation, but in most cases the additional costs of improper installation add up to a much higher cost than the price paid by a certified technician. In addition to that, you should also have your furnace serviced regularly to avoid short cycles which can potentially lead to fire or explosions.
5 Important Aspects of Proper Furnace Installation
1. Furnace Size
The first step in furnace installation is to find the right furnace. This is easier said than done, because convention leads most people to believe that the larger and more powerful the furnace, the more efficient its capability to heat a home will be. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. The size of a furnace should take into account the particular living space in which it is to be installed. Consulting a professional HVAC technician will offer you better insight on what would be the right size for you.
2. Existing Ductwork and Ventilation
Taking into account the layout of the home as well as the existing ductwork in place is an extremely important step in furnace installation. It is essential to assess where the return air duct will attach to the furnace, or where a proper size hole will be drilled into the furnace. The last thing that a homeowner would want is for the technician to cut the wrong hole on a brand new furnace, or have it improperly attached to the ductwork.
3. Foundation
Another thing to be aware of is whether the technician places the unit directly on the floor. If they do, this presents a potential risk. Proper installation mandates that furnaces should be first placed on rubber pads to minimize the noise they make. Furthermore, if they happened to be located in the basement, they should be elevated by a platform at least four inches off the floor as a precaution from basement floods. If the furnace is located in the attic, then it is recommended to place a drain pain in the event of any leaks. Proper installation of a furnace not only ensures the protection of the furnace, but of the home as well.
4. Drainage
Many furnaces produce waste water from the furnace that must be drained away. Obviously, you don’t want pools of stagnant water in your basement that can potentially damage your furnace, other appliances, or anything that’s stored in the basement. Mold and air quality issues may also arise as a result of improper drainage.
5. Materials
Finally, once everything’s hooked up, it needs to be sealed. Just because it’s all tight doesn’t mean it’s ready. Furnaces are dealing with air, and that doesn’t require a lot of room to escape. According to experienced HVAC technicians, there are two things that can properly seal the furnace: metal foil tape or duct seal. Duct tape may be a convenient quick fix, but it isn’t a permanent solution for sealing the various components of a new furnace.
Improve Your Furnace Experience with Proper Furnace Installation
Ensure the comfort and safety of your family by hiring a licensed HVAC professional for the proper installation of your new furnace. Proper installation gives you the best possible return on your investment by guaranteeing that there are no errors that could reduce the life of your appliance. Remember that an incorrectly installed HVAC unit, no matter how good it is, will not serve its purpose. Reach us at Marthedal Solar, Air & Heating for furnace installation, service, and repair and we will help you achieve a system that works properly and runs efficiently day after day.
