Are you considering HVAC upgrades in Memphis, TN, but need help figuring out where to start? With so many HVAC companies in the area, finding one that can give you high-quality and affordable upgrades can be challenging. This guide will help you choose a good HVAC company that guarantees high-quality upgrades for your home or business needs. We’ll review everything you need about the best HVAC upgrades in Memphis, from researching HVAC companies to considering energy efficiency. Keep reading to learn more.
Find Reliable HVAC Professionals
The first step in your HVAC upgrades in Memphis project is to find a trustworthy HVAC company that deals with heating and cooling system installation. Start by looking for local HVAC professionals with a good reputation in your area. Ideal companies have good comments and reviews from past customers. You can read reviews online and ask friends and family for suggestions. You can also contact your local Better Business Bureau – an NGO that connects consumers with trustworthy businesses.
Before hiring an HVAC expert, ensure they are licensed and certified to handle HVAC upgrades. Experts ensure the work meets the highest standards and follows all laws and rules. Once you settle at a company, enquire about warranties and guarantees of quality work. Due diligence gives you peace of mind that the company will stand behind its work and fix it if something goes wrong.
Upgrade Both Your Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
You can make your spaces more comfortable by upgrading your heating and cooling systems. Modern HVAC upgrades in Memphis provide excellent humidity management, air quality, and temperature control. New heating and air conditioning models use relatively less energy, meaning you lower utility bills and environmental damage.
That said, the market is awash with all kinds of heating and air conditioning systems. Therefore, you risk purchasing a counterfeit system. Luckily, professional heating and air services can help you choose the high-quality air conditioning unit that fits your air conditioning needs and install it correctly. Going the DIY installation route, you risk shoddy work, which could result in inefficient air control.
A suitable unit should match the air conditioning needs of your home. Do you live in a hot climate? Can it serve your home effectively and efficiently? The last thing you want is to choose a system that won’t meet your air conditioning needs.
Expand the Areas in Your Home That Are Air Conditioned
Adding air-conditioned rooms to your home can help you feel more comfortable and improve your quality of life. Ideal spaces for expansion are where you spend a lot of time, like bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices. However, you might also install HVAC in kitchens and garages if you need air conditioned storage. Regulating the temperature in the kitchen keeps your ingredients fresh for longer and your food safe.
Perhaps you are thinking, won’t expanding air conditioning increase your energy bills? The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 6% of all the electricity consumption in the country is used for air conditioning. However, you can lower your overall energy usage and costs if you switch to a more energy-efficient air conditioning system or use a smart thermostat better to control the temperature and cooling duration. Additionally, you should seal and insulate your home properly to prevent cool air from escaping, lowering your energy consumption even further.
Increasing the amount of space in your house that is air conditioned may have a significant impact on the air quality, especially when it’s incredibly humid outside or there’s plenty of air pollution. It’s advisable to carefully consider the costs and benefits before deciding. An air conditioning expert can help you decide on priority areas that require air conditioning.
Reach Out to an Electrician Before Undertaking Large Upgrades
When undertaking HVAC upgrades in Memphis, most people overlook the need to involve an electrician. If you are undertaking a big upgrade, it’s imperative that you contact an electrician. They give you professional guidance, guaranteeing that the project is safe and follows the regulations. Ultimately, they help you avoid costly errors and potential risks.
Here is an important point. An HVAC system depends on electrical power. Hence, if you intend to upgrade an HVAC system, ensure the electrical wiring is safe and properly done. An electrician will advise you on the improvements you should make, the best method for handling the project, and the necessary supplies and tools.
Extensive upgrades aren’t just about warnings and worries, so relax. An electrician could advise you on reducing energy consumption during large HVAC upgrades in Memphis. Moreover, a new upgraded HVAC system that works perfectly can make your home more valuable and appeal to potential buyers if you decide to sell it.
Consider Switching Your Fuel Source
When undertaking HVAC upgrades in Memphis, consider changing the fuel source. Each type of fuel has a different level of energy. For instance, heating with natural gas is often more efficient and cheaper than using electricity, which means it can make more heat with less energy. If you switch to a more efficient fuel source, you use less energy and pay less for your utilities. Some fuel options worth considering are;
- Natural gas – This is a popular fuel source for heating and cooling systems because it is affordable and efficient.
- Propane – In places where natural gas isn’t available, propane is often used. Propane furnaces and boilers are very energy-efficient and can also power other HVAC systems, such as water and space heaters. Research by Petro Home Services shows that propane is more cost-effective than electric heat. Almost anything in a house, restaurant, or building that can run on electricity can also use propane fuel.
- Oil – Some places still use heating oil services, although less popular than natural gas or propane systems. Oil furnaces and boilers must be serviced often to ensure they work effectively.
- Electricity – Depending on the cost of each kilowatt hour of electricity in your area, you may be able to switch to all-electric HVAC equipment. If you’re making the switch, consider installing a heat pump for efficiency.
Install Efficient Modern HVAC Equipment
Technology is advancing fast. The heating and cooling systems industry isn’t left behind. Companies are producing better HVAC units to match consumer needs. A modern HVAC system with high efficiency can cut your energy bills. Some questions to ask yourself when investing in HVAC upgrades in Memphis are;
- Do you often need expensive repairs to your HVAC system?
- Do you have to change your thermostat all the time to stay comfortable?
- When your air conditioner or furnace starts up, do you hear noises?
- Does your air feel stuffy or damp?
If you have answered yes to any of the questions, it could be time for an upgrade. The good news is that HVAC technology has changed a lot in the past few years, and if you replace your old equipment, you can take advantage of new smart features and increased efficiencies that can save you money on utility bills. Go for the new models that come with bells and whistles. For instance, new models have air recovery and zone control options for more comfort. A perfect example of a modern HVAC upgrade is a mini splits system that gives you more control over how you want to heat, cool, and remove moisture in your home.
Switch to Radiant HVAC Systems
Radiant heating and cooling systems radiate heat into the space around them. They use hot water or electric heating elements to warm your home’s floors, walls, or ceilings. Traditional forced-air systems blow hot air through ducts, while radiant systems work quietly and heat the room more evenly. Before upgrading, ensure that the piping systems of your house are in perfect condition.
According to the Plastic Pipes Institute, some radiant heating systems can also be used as cooling systems. During the cooling season, chilled water is circulated through the floors, walls, or ceilings to remove heat energy from space. Radiant cooling systems are efficient and make spaces more comfortable by cutting the cooling load of traditional air-based systems. As a result, they cut down on air movement, noise, and drafts.
Pour a Slab for a New AC Unit or Heat Pump
Before placing the new outdoor air conditioning system, you need to ensure strong, level concrete work is in place. The first step is to choose a good spot for your AC unit or heat pump. It should be an area that is level, drains well, and is easy to get to for maintenance and repairs. Here is a step-by-step process of preparing the surface and slab for HVAC installation.
- Clear the area of any trash or plants
- Dig down 4–6 inches
- Use wooden boards or other materials to build shapes around the excavation site. The forms should be straight and held in place well.
- Proceed to place steel bars or wire mesh on top of the soil to strengthen the area where you dug the hole. It will help make the slab stronger and keep it from cracking.
- Spread the concrete mixture evenly in forms.
- Trowel the slab surface.
Leave the concrete to harden for 24–48 hours or as the manufacturer specifies. To prevent drying, keep the area damp and covered with a tarp. Once the concrete has hardened, you can finally put the air conditioner or heat pump on top. The concrete slab prevents your AC from sinking.
Insulate Your Home
For the best energy efficiency, you should adequately insulate your home from the roof to the foundation. Insulation creates a barrier that prevents cooled or heated air from escaping. Warm air stays inside in the winter, and cool air stays inside in the summer. You can lower the energy your HVAC system needs by stopping air leaks and limiting heat transfer.
During HVAC upgrades in Memphis, you might need to install new ductwork or change the existing ones. If your home isn’t insulated, air can leak out of your ducts and into your walls, attic, or crawl space. It can lower the quality of the air inside and use more energy. Spray foam insulation installation is an excellent solution because it expands and makes a barrier that keeps air out, keeps your space dry, and stops mold.
Seal Your Windows
When undertaking HVAC upgrades in Memphis, consider window sealing. Tiny holes can let air out, making your air conditioner work less efficiently and letting bugs and dust into your home. As a result, your unit overworks, translating to more energy consumption. The best way to fill the space and stop air from getting out is to use open-cell foam weatherstripping with an adhesive back. Caulk compounds are also an option, but they are mainly used to seal small cracks in places that won’t move.
Inspecting your home is the first step in finding air leaks in your home before air-sealing. Some air leaks, like draughts around windows, are easy to spot. But other leaks might be less obvious to someone not used to looking for them. For this reason, it’s best to hire an HVAC contractor who can do a blower test to see how airtight your home is.
Sealing the windows will only help if the ducts are sealed well. Otherwise, air leaks will be a persistent problem. Having a professional inspect, seal, and fix your ductwork, you can avoid issues like uneven temperatures in your home and stress on your HVAC system.
Upgrade Your Home Comfort and Efficiency
Investing in high-quality HVAC upgrades in Memphis, TN can help you save money on your energy bills, improve your home’s comfort and air quality, and raise the value of your property. To get the best results, ensure you work with a reputable HVAC contractor with experience and knowledge of a wide range of HVAC services.
Ensure your HVAC system gets regular maintenance and tune-ups to keep running flawlessly. HVAC upgrades in Memphis help extend the unit’s life and ensure it runs at its best. So don’t hesitate to look into your options and make changes to improve your home and life.