Design And Installation Of HVAC Systems Is Critical For Energy Efficiency

Design And Installation Of HVAC Systems Is Critical For Energy Efficiency

Making an investment in the latest and greatest energy-efficient HVAC equipment is a smart move because it can save you lots of money in the long run. But to gain these benefits, it is absolutely critical for the HVAC system to be designed correctly and the equipment properly installed.

Duct leakage, refrigerant undercharge/overcharge and flawed designs using oversized equipment with undersized ductwork are just some of the problems that can seriously degrade the efficiency of the HVAC system.

The importance of quality installation (QI) is highlighted in a new report from the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which examined the effects of poor installation on the performance of HVAC systems–in this case, heat pumps. The researchers found that improper design and installation practices can potentially increase energy use by nearly a third! That’s a big percentage that will add up in extra costs year after year.

The NIST report caught the attention of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), a non-profit association serving the indoor environmental and energy services business community. The ACCA has long been an advocate for what’s known in the business as the “QI Standard.”

“This report quantifies what many industry experts already know – profound efficiency losses occur when HVAC equipment is not installed properly,” said ACCA president and CEO Paul Stalknecht. “This report should help consumers understand why it is important to hire a contractor who follows the QI Standard. When consumers start asking for QI from every contractor, it will raise the performance bar in the industry, and result in significant energy savings while increasing occupant comfort.”

If you enjoy diving into the technical details of HVAC systems (like we do at Daffan Cooling & Heating), the NIST report is available for free download at this link.

Also, the ACCA has a great resource page covering the standards for designing, installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems. Several papers (in both English and Spanish) are available for complimentary download. The best consumer is an educated consumer, so take advantage of these excellent resources!

Share This :

Recent Posts

AC installation
Top Benefits of Installing a Ductless AC in Weatherford
As Weatherford sees a growing interest in modern home cooling solutions, ductless AC systems are gaining popularity among homeowners. Gone are the days when traditional, large, and cumbersome HVAC ...
Read More
insulation
How Upgrading Your Insulation Can Improve Home Comfort
Insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining comfortable temperatures inside your home. It acts as a barrier, keeping the heat in during colder months and blocking excess heat during ...
Read More
mini split heat pump
Choosing the Right Mini Split Heat Pump for Your Benbrook Home
Mini split heat pumps are becoming a popular choice for heating and cooling homes, especially in places like Benbrook. These versatile systems offer an effective way to maintain indoor ...
Read More