[BigEasy]

I am replacing my current HVAC system (received 1st bid today). The issue I have is we want to plan for expansion of the residence. Will we be able to have the new ductwork sized to account for the new areas? For example, the new system installed in a root cellar and ductwork in the crawlspace, but plans are in the works to turn the crawlspace into a basement (we didn't have a root cellar a month ago). Logic says to wait until the basement is finished before replacing the current system, but that is not a option. Currently the bids we are taking do not take into account adding another 1000 sf to our 1800 sf house. Is it feasible to install a system that will take into account this large of a area change?

 

[TxTurbo]

Did the contractor run a Manual J heat load calculation?

 

[skippedover]

Manual 'J' is a must or don't do the probject. Don't accept any bids where the company supplying the bid did not do a room-by-room load analysis. Once that's done, it's easy to add the additional space. The 'H' in HVAC is for heating, which could be a boiler by oil, gas or electric, a furnace by oil, gas or electric or a heat pump, air-to-air or water-to-air. You're lack of info makes it impossible for any informed pro to offer any useful insight to your question.

 

[frank514]

This is one of those where you have to be onsite to offer a real solution. More than likely your duct work is not sized for an additional 1800 sqft. In order to accommodate the addition and a system that would heat or cool the existing space plus the addition you may have to replace the entire trunk line as you replace the exisiting system and get a system large enough to take into account the new space.
( A manual J will let you know what is needed) Another idea is to have a seperate system altogether for the new space- duct work and a seperate heating-cooling element or go with a ductless split for the new space. Again whats right is best determined by a specialists visiting the site. Good luck!

 

[BigEasy]

Currently the bids should (will check with the Manual J) for the existing 1800 SF. But within the next 6 months we should have another 1000 SF of space requiring HVAC and another 800 SF within the next 12 months. The latter 800 SF would require separate ductwork due to physical limitations, but the 1000 SF addition would have the original ductwork running through the ceiling. Basically I am asking if there is a way to install the ductwork for the original 1800 SF now and then expand it for the additional 1000 SF in 6 months. Otherwise it looks like we will be installing three systems in the next 12 months.

 

[elamechanical]

Where there's a will, there's a way.

 

[m-cooling]

I would put in the first 1800 sq. ft. system now and later when the other part is finished the extra 1800 put in another seperate system.

You arent gonna get one unit to do 3,600 sq. ft. in Texas anyways.I don't think.

 

[genduct]

Hey Easy, you already know the answer: IT WOULD BE SILLY NOT TO HAVE THE LARGER UNIT NOW!!!
It's winter now, and if I understand your expansion is a basement area that should not be that much of a increase as you load calcs will prove.

 

[genduct]

PS, you can email me at profile info. If you like I can pass you Dave's info and he can lay it out for you.
Also sounds like a 2 stage application if there ever was a need for one.