The purpose of HVAC is to keep the climate in your home comfortable year-round despite the weather outside. Like any other system, there are four broad categories of questions to ask:
- Does it work?
- What will it cost?
- What kind of warranties are offered, if any?
- How long will the process take?
In Spring 2024, we replaced a HVAC unit in Pleasantville, New York.
The 1959 single-family home in question installed an HVAC system 15 years ago. A few years ago, a foam spray was applied to better insulate the home. The added insulation had the desired effect of decreasing the need for cooling and heating.
Unfortunately, the improved insulation paired with the old HVAC was not compatible. The resultant mismatch caused “short cycling“. In other words, the compressor was turning on and off more frequently than it should. The additional strain, higher energy costs and uneven temperatures produced high humidity. The high humidity in turn promoted mold.
In general, most heating or cooling systems have a useful life of 15 to 25 years. While the mold made the need to replace this HVAC urgent, it was approaching functional obsolescence.
Before delving into additional details, allow us to frame the setting.
Pleasantville, a Walking Town
We have many satisfied customers in Pleasantville, and it is among our favorite towns. Occupying 1.9 square miles with a population of 7,500, Pleasantville is referred to as a “walking village“. Cultural touchstones include the Jacob Burns Film Center, the Pleasantville Music Festival and the Farmer’s Market. The district has an enrollment of 1,600+ K-12 students at three schools and posted a 97% graduation rate in 2022.
The typical Metro-North Railroad ride to Grand Central Station takes 58 minutes. The 15 or so current listed homes have an asking price between $600K and $4 million. The area had been settled by Sinsink tribe prior to the birth of the United States. The colonial history of Pleasantville dates to 1695. Following farm subdivisions, a major development was the New York Central Railroad station built in 1846.
The village’s look and feel crystallized a century ago with the development of the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Rome Theater (the modern-day Jacob Burns Film Center) in the 1920s. The housing stock includes single-family houses, townhouses, and condominiums. Styles range from Victorians to contemporary designs.
With a median household income of $165K, residents invest in keeping up and modernizing their homes while respecting historic cues.
The split-level home in this case study was built in 1959. The Lennox Air handler and condenser system was installed 15 years ago.
Aspect of a working HVAC
Capacity and size
To provide a specific solution suited to a given home, we perform a load calculation for every engagement. This analysis helps determine the total heat gain and heat loss of the home based on size, construction, windows, insulation, and direction of the sun. The heat load number we get determines the sizing of the equipment in BTU (British thermal units) required to reduce the total heat gained in the house. We decided on an inverter system that was half the size they currently had installed.
Energy Usage
After a thorough discussion with both homeowners, we decided to install the Daikin Fit DX6VS Whole House Inverter Air Conditioner. This solution worked best for the customer who did not want to reinvent the wheel but work with what they have. The equipment chosen allowed the customer to take full advantage of an inverter system at a favorable investment cost. The customer also received a $2000 dollar rebate direct from Daikin. Additionally, we installed Reme Halo Air purifiers to help with air quality.
Almost half of the energy used in homes is for heating and cooling. Choosing an efficient unit will translate to utility savings and trigger rebates and tax credits.
Expert installation
The canvas we started out with was a beautifully decorated, designed interior layout – albeit with an antiquated AC system. We seamlessly transitioned updated cooling mechanicals with eye-pleasing equipment that blended into the outdoors with style.
Cost of an HVAC system
Many consumers tend to focus exclusively upon the acquisition and installation costs of a HVAC system. However, it is important to be mindful of the system’s operating costs too.
Our comfort advisors will plan a properly sized, efficient system suitable for your home which will lead to lower energy costs. Additional features that promote energy efficiency include using a thermostat or dual zones.
The biggest (potential) cost to an HVAC system is a poor design that does not work or needs to be replaced or redone far sooner than expected.
Investing in maintenance should increase the useful life of your unit. If nothing else, it will promote peak performance and avoid sudden breakdowns at inopportune moments. Be sure to work with a provider that is licensed, insured, warranties their work, and have
Thermodynamix provides a one-year labor warranty and maintenance agreement on all installations. The Daikin unit has a 12-year warranty on parts and the compressor.
Types of A/C units
Mini split systems are one option gaining favor with homeowners. Like many other systems, they are available as ductless or ducted. What might make a ductless system right for you? Curious to find out more? Give the comfort experts at Thermodynamix a call today.
Founded over two decades ago, we have years of experience servicing Putnam and Westchester County homeowners just like you. Our customized solutions will help you prioritize the available options best suited to your needs.
