HVAC Design & Installation

Residential HVAC units play a crucial role in maintaining indoor comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency. These systems last 12-15 years and are one of the more expensive components in most homes. There are many options available, but all too often homeowners do not consider them all because they need to get a replacement quickly. However, taking the time to rethink the design of the HVAC systems can lead to improved comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. E3 INNOVATE can help you plan ahead so that you can make sure this once-in-a-decade opportunity to improve your home’s performance is not lost and you qualify for tax credit and local TVA incentives.

Signs It’s Time for an HVAC Replacement 

While the best way to know for sure that your heating and cooling system is on its way toward a breakdown is with a professional inspection, there are a few key things to look out for.

• Equipment Age - If you’re having problems with your system and it’s over 10 years old, it might be a good time to start thinking about a replacement.

• Your Comfort - A heating & cooling system that is struggling to keep up with the needs of your home could be improperly sized and it’s time for a newer, more efficient system.

• High Energy Bills- A significant increase in your energy bills could mean that your HVAC system is losing its efficiency.

• Recurring Repairs - If you’re constantly calling for HVAC repairs or the cost of repairs is at least half of the price for a new system, a replacement could be the best option.

Residential HVAC Design Steps 

At E3 INNOVATE, we follow industry best practices for sizing and installing a wide range of HVAC systems in Middle Tennessee in our proven 5-step process.

Step 1: Load Calculation (Manual J)

While it may be tempting to simply replace an old HVAC system with one of the same size, investing in a load calculation can help optimize the performance of the new system, leading to long-term savings and improved indoor comfort. Most HVAC systems are oversized, which results in high levels of humidity in the home, high energy bills, and other issues.

Step 2: Equipment Selection (Manual S)

aThis may seem simple on the surface, but keep in mind that we must balance dehumidification, cooling and heating loads, insulation and air sealing, along with any physical constraints. This step requires a knowledgeable HVAC designer and is very important to the outcome of the project. At E3 INNOVATE, we install high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, heat pumps and mini splits, and geothermal systems. 

Step 3: Duct Design (Manual D)

Once we know the loads of your house, we can determine how much air is needed in each room. This information allows us to design ductwork, ensuring that the unit will be able to deliver the appropriate amount of air to each room. Care must be taken during this step to ensure that the friction in the ductwork does not exceed the capacity of the blower of the unit. This includes knowing specifically what fittings, dampers, filters, grills, and other components will be used in the project.

Step 4: Air Distribution (Manual T)

This last step in the design process ensures that air is delivered to the living space in a way that evenly mixes air and does not create noise, pressure differences, or obstruct the function or aesthetic of the house.

Step 5: Commissioning

After we install your new HVAC system, we’ll check that all specifications of the design are met. This includes checking refrigerant levels, electrical consumption, and temperature differences to make sure that the unit is producing within appropriate limits. Most HVAC installers take some of these steps, but often miss airflow balancing and static pressure testing, both of which are crucial to ensuring optimal performance.

Find the right HVAC system for your home today with E3 INNOVATE. Call 615-876-5479 or contact us online to get started.