HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) - Home Improvements increase your home enjoyment, but they also affect your home's value- replacing a heating system or installing central air conditioning can yield a 50-80% and a 25-75% return on investment at resale respectively*. These tips will help you plan for your HVAC improvment needs with a focus on resale value.
Function - Appreciate that your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems provide a consistant level of comfort regarless of interior or exterior factors. Heating - Educate yourself on heating system options (energy sources, heating units, distribution systems) and choose a cost effective, energy efficient replacement.
Cooling - Learn about your cooling system options, existing duct work or not, and related costs to make an educated, energy efficient choice that maximixes your comfort.
Capacity - Calculate how much heat is lost from your home in Winter and how much is gained in Summer in order to correctly size the required home comfort equipment.
Efficiency - Work you heating or cooling systems less by increasting insulation levels, sealing air leaks and by replacing older, energy sapping doors and windows.
Ventilation - Understand ventilation options (spot ventilation, exhaust-only, supply-and-exhaust) to remove stale air, odours and pollutants, and to prevent mould growth.
Humidify - Achieve a 30-50% relative humidity level in winter with a built-in furance or stand-alone humidifier and improve breating, health and skin conditions.
Dehumidify - Diminish summer humidity, musty odours and damp spots with air conditioning and a dehumidifier, as required, for a relative humidity level of 30-50%.
Air Quality - Improve poor air quality and related health issues by reducing humidity, increasing ventilation and, where applicable, installing an air cleaner in your home.
Maintain - Ensure your home comfort systems are cleaned and maintained annually, or as recommended by the manufacturer, for continued reliable performance.
Interview at least three HVAC contractors, ensuring they are licensed, insured and agreeable to obtaining any required permits. Depending on the quality of installation, materials and maintenance, your new home comfort system carries a minimum life expectancy of 15 years.
*Appraisal institute of Canada Home Renovation Survey
