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

Whether you’re building a second family room, a guest space or growing the kitchen, having extra square footage in your home is sure to be convenient. Just remember to think over the heating and cooling needs of the new area. One of those factors should cover whether you should upgrade your HVAC system for a home addition in Fort Lauderdale. Our guide will help you as you begin the process. 

Option 1: No Upgrade Required 

If the home addition includes expanding an area instead of adding entirely new rooms, you may not need to improve the HVAC system at all. This is often the instance if your heating and cooling system was oversized originally. Book a load calculation from an Expert technician, for example one from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by calling 954-736-4314. This will decide if your existing HVAC system can take on the modifications you’ve made to your home. 

Option 2: Replace Your HVAC System 

Another solution for bringing heat and air conditioning into your home addition is to add on to the ductwork from your current forced-air unit. If you rely on radiators or baseboard heating, you can add hot water piping to the new area. 

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

Option 3: Add a Ductless Mini-Split 

Rather than installing a new system to cover the extra area, you can put in a separate one.  Ductless mini-splits are great for this. They have two parts. There’s a condensing component that is installed on cement outdoors, akin to an air conditioner. Then there’s the small indoor blower that is placed to the ceiling or wall. 

Like a central heat pump, mini-split HVAC systems offer both heating and cooling for all-season comfort from one setup. 

Since it includes a wall- or ceiling-mounted air handler, zero ductwork is required. You can even join up to four indoor units with one outdoor unit for zoned heating and cooling in differing parts of your home. A ductless mini-split might be the ideal HVAC option for your home addition if: 

• Your present system can’t absorb the added area, and you’re not prepared to replace everything right now. 
• The old and additional rooms have different heating and cooling needs. 
• You would like to add air conditioning to your residence without installing or extending the ductwork. 

If you need help deciding which HVAC option is ideal, let Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning provide our suggestions. We have a lot of experience helping homeowners dial in their indoor comfort, with a commitment to efficiency and eco-friendly HVAC systems. 

We’ll start the process by completing a load calculation to determine your needs. Then, we can give cost listings for ductwork installation and system upgrades vs. installing a ductless mini-split HVAC system. We’ll offer you all the solutions so you can make an informed decision. To get started, call at 954-736-4314 to schedule an appointment now!