Adding air conditioning to an existing furnace system can greatly enhance the comfort of your home, especially during hot summer months. Fortunately, integrating AC with your furnace is a fairly easy project that can be accomplished with what is called either an AC Coil or Heat Pump Coil. We’ll explore the steps involved in adding air conditioning to an existing furnace system.
1. Assess Your Current Furnace System: Before proceeding with any modifications, it’s crucial to have someone from a Massachusetts HVAC company such as Endless Energy evaluate your existing furnace system. Consider factors such as the age and condition of the furnace, the layout of your ductwork, how well insulated the duct work is, and the available space for installing additional components like the evaporator coil and air handler.
2. Choose the Right Type of Air Conditioning System: There are various types of air conditioning systems available, including central air conditioning, ductless mini-split heat pump systems, and packaged units. An expert from Endless Energy will help you select the option that best suits your home’s layout, that is sized correctly by completing a Manual J for your house, and for your budget.
3. Determine Compatibility: Make sure you are working with an expert like one of Endless Energy’s Account Manager to ensure that your existing furnace system is compatible with the chosen AC system. Check factors such as the size of the blower motor, the capacity of the ductwork, and the electrical system’s capacity to handle the additional load. Our Account Managers can also make you aware of any rebates and financing options available to Massachusetts customers.
4. Install the Evaporator Coil: The evaporator coil is a crucial component of the air conditioning system responsible for cooling the air. It’s typically installed inside the existing ductwork or above the furnace. Endless Energy’s professional HVAC technicians will ensure proper placement and connection.
5. Connect Refrigerant Lines: Refrigerant lines connect the evaporator coil to the outdoor condenser unit. These lines must be properly sized and insulated to prevent energy loss and ensure efficient cooling operation.
6. Install the Condenser Unit: The condenser unit is installed outside the home and houses components such as the compressor and condenser coil. Proper placement is essential to ensure adequate airflow and minimize noise pollution. Endless Energy’s Project Managers will work with you on the placement to ensure the unit will function correct and be compliance with Massachusetts building codes.
7. Integrate Thermostat and Controls: Integrate the air conditioning system with your existing thermostat or consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for enhanced control and energy efficiency. Some heat pump coil systems may require or benefit from integrated controls, which set a switchover temperature at which a heat pump coil switches over to your natural gas furnace system (30 degrees or lower).
8. Test and Commission: Once all components are installed, the system should be thoroughly tested to ensure proper operation. This includes checking refrigerant levels, airflow, thermostat calibration, and overall performance – all of these are done during Endless Energy’s HVAC commissioning and quality assurance process.
9. Regular Maintenance: To keep your combined furnace and air conditioning system running smoothly, schedule regular maintenance appointments with a qualified HVAC technician at Endless Energy. This helps identify and address any issues before they escalate and ensures optimal performance and energy efficiency. We recommend this be done annually.
Overall adding air conditioning to an existing furnace system is a simple and affordable way to enhance home comfort year-round. By enlisting the help of experienced HVAC professionals at a company like Endless Energy, you can successfully integrate AC with your furnace system, providing efficient cooling when you need it most. With Endless Energy You have a range of choices for AC or Heat Pump coils include Mitsubishi intelli-HEAT heat pump coils, Bosch IDS AC and heat pump coils, and Bryant Heat Pump and AC coils. Contact us to learn how you can get your Massachusetts AC install before the summer season rush by contacting us online or calling us at (508) 501-9990.
