Heating and Air Conditioning (cont., pg. 2)

 

What Your HVAC Contractor Will Do

Your HVAC contractor will make his first appearance shortly after house framing is completed (dried-in, with roof).

 

At this initial rough-in, he will install furnace, air-handlers, duct work, and all major components that will go inside the house.

At this time, he should coordinate with your electrician on wiring requirements and location of electric panels.

High-voltage, heavy-gauge wiring is required for HVAC purposes.

Some HVAC contractors provide their own.  Others expect the electrician to do it.  Resolve this question in advance.

 

Exterior components (compressor) will come later at the final, when he also installs vent covers, and thermostats.

As one of your subcontractors who is required to obtain his own permit for each job, he will be responsible for requesting appropriate inspections.

Types of Home Heating Systems

Oil Furnace

Oil furnaces have two sets of numbers by which they are rated.

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is a numerical efficiency rating, measuring the amount of heat circulated through your house compared to the volume of fuel used.

Firing Rate BTUH is a measurement of the amount of heat the unit can dispense in one hour.

Houses heated with oil furnaces require a separate central air conditioning system.

Gas Furnace

Gas furnaces are also rated by AFUE and BTU.

You may choose a gas furnace with a separate central air conditioning system, or a gas pack, which combines heating and cooling units in a single outdoor unit.

 

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