Planning A Home Renovation? Don't Forget Your Heating System
Thinking about knocking down a wall or finally getting that dream kitchen? Home renovations are thrilling. New flooring, fresh coats of paint, larger windows…they all look stunning on a mood board.
There’s just one thing most people don’t include on the list: Their heating system. And that error can be costly. A brand new open-plan lounge room is no good if it's icy cold each winter.
Here's the problem: When most people plan a renovation, they base it on how a room looks. Only a few people plan on how the room feels. Your furnace, ducts and vents will need to work with any changes you make.
This guide shows you exactly why you should consider HVAC repairs when first planning a renovation. Time to jump in!
Here's What's Inside:
Why Your Heating System Belongs In Your Renovation Plan
5x Ways A Renovation Can Affect Your Heating
When Should You Book Heating System Repair?
How To Add Heating To Your Renovation Checklist
Why Your Heating System Belongs In Your Renovation Plan
People are investing big dollars into their houses. Harvard's Joint Centre for Housing Studies predicts remodelling spending will reach $522 billion by 2026.
People are throwing serious dough at kitchens, bathrooms and extensions. But what about the system that heats them up? Not much.
Heating systems are important. In fact, space heating accounts for about 42% of home energy consumption nationwide, making it the largest energy consumer in the average home, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Think about it: By renovating without having your heating system inspected, you risk creating rooms that are too cold, paying higher-than-necessary energy bills, and overworking your furnace. The most important step in your remodelling plan is to schedule a heating system inspection before the contractors arrive.
Scheduling furnace repair in Lakewood, NJ, or wherever you live early on lets you do any necessary heating system repairs while the walls and floors are open... making repairs quicker, more affordable, and less messy. It really is that simple.
5x Ways A Renovation Can Affect Your Heating
Renovating your home changes how you heat it. When you change your home, your heating needs change with it. Here are the top 5 ways it happens.
Adding More Square Footage
Getting an addition built or a basement finished? Your furnace was sized for your previous home, not the new one.
Extra space equals more air to heat. If your system is operating close to capacity, that extra space may be overloading it. You'll feel the difference in cold spots, longer run times and a furnace that won't shut off.
Moving Walls And Changing Layouts
Open-plan living is extremely trendy these days. Removing walls can affect how warm air flows through your home.
Perfectly functioning vents can end up in the wrong place in a smaller room. Returns may be obstructed or even eliminated completely. You can have hot and cold spots with no zoning plan.
Damaging Ductwork
Here's something most homeowners don't think about... Remodeling is a dirty job. Remodelers cut, drill, and hammer near your ducts all day. Your ducts can easily become crushed, disconnected or punctured.
Leaky ducts are nothing new. Right now, the average home loses about 20% to 30% of its moving air to duct leaks, holes and poor connections. One lazy duct sealing job during renovations can push that number even higher.
Filling Your System With Dust
Drywall dust, sawdust and plaster can all become airborne. So where do you think that air goes? Straight into your heating system. Dust can dirty your filters, coat your blower motor and accumulate in your ducts. This will shorten the life of your furnace by making it work harder.
Upgrading Windows And Insulation
This one is good news! New windows and improved insulation mean your home retains heat better. The problem is your old system may now be oversized for your home. An oversized furnace cycles on and off too frequently, using more energy. Components also wear out sooner because of frequent start-ups.
When Should You Book Heating System Repair?
Timing is key. Schedule your heating tune-up in the right season to save money. If you schedule it too late, you'll pay to cut open freshly installed drywall.
The best approach is to think about your heating in 3x stages:
Before work begins: Ask for a comprehensive inspection. You’ll know exactly how old your system is and how it’s doing. The average lifespan of a furnace is about 15-20 years. If your system is nearing that age, replacement may be a better option.
While Work is taking place: Cover vents, seal returns. Ask the contractor to seal open ducts.
When the job is complete: Replace the filter, clean the ducts and ensure the system is tested to function properly.
Simple, right? Thinking ahead prevents little issues from becoming costly, mid-winter emergencies. No one enjoys dealing with a broken furnace during the coldest night.
How To Add Heating To Your Renovation Checklist
Okay, now on to the good stuff. Adding heat to your renovation plans doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to be considered.
Begin by discussing this with your contractor as soon as possible. Inform them that you would like the heating system incorporated into the plan. Ask them what work will be done to your vents, ducts and furnace.
Now allocate funds for heating. It's tempting to use every dollar for countertops/tile/etc. But reserve just a little for your heating system repair. It'll spare you from an even larger expense down the road.
Now think ahead. Remodels are the perfect opportunity to upgrade like:
A smart thermostat
Zoned heating for different areas
Better air filters
Sealed and insulated ducts
These upgrades help you control comfort room by room and keep energy costs down.
Tip: Save all documentation related to any heating work completed as part of your remodel. You'll need it for warranty issues and it may come in handy when you sell.
Bringing It All Together
A house renovation is a major investment. Don't let an inefficient heating system darken your door!
To quickly recap:
Check your heating system before any work starts
Think about how new space and layouts affect airflow
Protect your ducts and vents from damage and dust
Budget for heating system repair and upgrades
Test everything once the work is finished
Start heating near the top of your list from day one and your newly renovated home won't just look amazing. It'll feel great too.
Our writers like to find the latest trends for home decor. We launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2015 and the luxury property and interior decor blog www.alltheprettyhomes.com in 2024 to cover all your interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration needs. Download our free bathroom renovation guide here.
