The Jake Method How to Design a Future-Proof AC System for Add-Ons, Smart Thermostats & Upgrades

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Jake’s complete guide for homeowners who want their next AC installation to be ready for tomorrow—not limited by yesterday.

If you’re designing or installing a new AC system in 2025, the old rules don’t cut it anymore. Today’s HVAC systems aren’t just heating-and-cooling machines—they’re connected hubs, smart-device compatible, and upgrade-ready platforms designed to evolve with your home.

2.5 Ton Up To 15 SEER2 Goodman Air Conditioner Model - GLXS3BN3010

But here’s the problem:

❌ Most systems installed today STILL aren’t designed to support future add-ons.

❌ Most duct systems can’t handle higher-SEER2 equipment.

❌ Most electrical panels aren’t sized for modern accessories.

❌ Most thermostats can’t communicate with new inverter systems.

❌ Most homes are NOT wired correctly for future integrations.

And you know what that means?

Homeowners get stuck—forced to rip walls open, rewire panels, or abandon upgrades entirely.

Jake has seen this firsthand for years.
So he created The Jake Method—a complete design philosophy built around:

✔ future-proof ductwork
✔ future-proof wiring
✔ future-proof electrical sizing
✔ future-proof smart thermostat compatibility
✔ future-proof add-on pathways
✔ future-proof refrigerant rules
✔ future-proof zoning, filtration & IAQ
✔ future-proof equipment placement

By the time you finish reading this guide, you’ll know EXACTLY how to design a system that doesn’t just work today—
it dominates the next 20 years.

🏗️ 1. The Problem: Most AC Systems Are Built for “Right Now” Instead of “What’s Next”

HVAC isn’t static anymore.
Everything evolves:

refrigerants
blower tech
SEER standards
smart controls
zoning
IAQ (indoor air quality) devices
energy codes
electrical requirements

But contractors often design systems as if:

the home will never get an addition
the homeowner will never upgrade
the thermostat will never change
the ducts will never need more airflow
R-410A will magically be legal forever
smart devices won’t become standard

The result?

A system that becomes obsolete within 5–7 years.

ASHRAE and ACCA emphasize future-ready design in modern HVAC standards:
ASHRAE System Design Guidelines

ACCA Manual S – Equipment Selection

Jake says it like it is:

“If you’re installing AC without planning 10 years ahead…
you’re not designing—you’re guessing.”

⚙️ 2. Jake’s Future-Proofing Rule #1: OVERSIZE THE DUCTS, NOT THE EQUIPMENT

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Future SEER2 units require higher airflow and lower static pressure.
A duct system designed for 2020 standards will choke a 2030 system.

Here’s the real issue:

❌ New high-efficiency and inverter systems move MORE air

❌ Older ducts are too small

❌ Static pressure skyrockets

❌ Unit runs loud

❌ Capacity drops

❌ Coil freezes

❌ Efficiency nosedives

ENERGY STAR notes that airflow is the #1 performance limiter in residential HVAC:
ENERGY STAR Ductwork & Airflow Standards
https://www.energystar.gov

Jake sizes ducts according to this rule:

✔ 20–40% larger trunks

✔ 1–2 extra return vents

✔ Oversized filter grilles

✔ Bigger supply plenums

✔ Larger return drops

Why? Because:

“Your next 18–20 SEER system will NEED that extra airflow.”

Even if you’re only installing 13.4 SEER2 today.

💡 3. Jake’s Future-Proofing Rule #2: ADD SMART THERMOSTAT COMPATIBILITY NOW

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Most homeowners will upgrade to a smart thermostat within 5 years.

But here’s the catch:

❌ Many homes lack the required C-wire

❌ Many older furnaces don’t support low-voltage smart controls

❌ Many air handlers can’t communicate with advanced thermostats

❌ Some systems need control boards updated

Smart thermostats aren’t just gadgets—they’re energy optimizers.

EPA confirms smart thermostats reduce energy use significantly:
EPA Smart Thermostat Energy Guide
https://www.epa.gov/energy

Jake’s rule:

✔ Always run a new 18/8 thermostat wire

✔ Always plan for C-wire power

✔ Choose equipment with open-thermostat compatibility

✔ Avoid proprietary-only control boards

A $20 wire upgrade today saves $600 later.

🔌 4. Jake’s Future-Proofing Rule #3: UPSIZE THE ELECTRICAL—ALWAYS

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Future add-ons often require more electrical capacity, including:

larger air handlers
bigger blower motors
heat pump upgrades
heat strips
air purifiers
humidifiers
ERVs/HRVs
zoning control panels
attic ventilators

Most homes ONLY size the electrical panel for the existing AC.

That’s a mistake.

Jake’s rule:

✔ Always oversize the breaker by one tier (within code)

✔ Always run heavier-gauge wire when reasonable

✔ Always leave room on the panel for future HVAC accessories

✔ Always run a dedicated GFCI outlet near the air handler

Even ENERGY STAR recommends dedicated electrical circuits for future HVAC equipment:
ENERGY STAR Installation Checklists

📡 5. Jake’s Future-Proofing Rule #4: BUILD A CONTROL CHASE

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A “control chase” is Jake’s cheat code for:

future wiring
future sensors
future zoning
future humidifiers
future outdoor equipment
future line sets

It’s a small, accessible path from the attic to the mechanical room to the outdoor pad.

Jake installs one on every premium job.

Why?

Because every future add-on requires wiring.

A control chase lets you:

✔ add a new line set
✔ swap refrigerants
✔ upgrade thermostat wire
✔ run zone dampers
✔ run ERV/HRV controls
✔ add IAQ systems
✔ add humidity sensors

Zero drywall destruction.
Zero soffit cutting.
Zero headaches.

🌬️ 6. Jake’s Future-Proofing Rule #5: DESIGN FOR ZONING BEFORE YOU NEED IT

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Even if you don’t add zones today, plan for them.

Zoning requires:

larger trunks
dedicated bypass (if using older zoning)
ECM blower motors
compatible furnaces/air handlers
room for zone board
lower static pressure
accessible dampers

ACCA’s zoning recommendations highlight airflow control as critical for future add-ons:
ACCA Zoning & Airflow Control Guide
https://www.acca.org

Jake leaves:

✔ space for dampers
✔ path for zone wiring
✔ enlarged trunks
✔ bypass elimination options

Why?

“Every home eventually needs zones when layouts change.”

Basement additions, room conversions, and kid bedrooms are zoning breakpoints.

🧱 7. Jake’s Future-Proofing Rule #6: PLAN FOR REFRIGERANT CHANGES (R-32 AND BEYOND)

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R-410A is being phased out.
R-32 is the new standard.
But refrigerant changes won’t stop there.

Daikin, Trane, and Lennox all acknowledge upcoming refrigerant transitions in their engineering papers: Daikin R-32 Environmental Overview

Jake future-proofs refrigerant systems by:

✔ using line sets rated for A2L refrigerants
✔ oversizing line sets for more flexibility
✔ using line-set covers with easy access
✔ leaving room for future coil replacements
✔ installing pads large enough for future condensers

Your next AC will likely use a different refrigerant.
So build the infrastructure NOW.

🛠️ 8. Jake’s Future-Proofing Rule #7: CREATE AN ACCESS-FRIENDLY MECHANICAL ROOM

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Most mechanical rooms are cramped, dark, and impossible to work in.

This destroys upgrade potential.

Jake designs mechanical rooms with:

✔ 30–36 inches of clearance on all sides
✔ overhead lighting
✔ condensate access panels
✔ duct transitions placed strategically
✔ wall-mounted control panels
✔ easy filter access
✔ clear service pathways

A future-proof mechanical room saves THOUSANDS in labor later.

🌫️ 9. Jake’s Future-Proofing Rule #8: BUILD IAQ COMPATIBILITY INTO THE SYSTEM

Indoor Air Quality devices include:

UV lights
HEPA bypass filters
electronic air cleaners
ERVs
HRVs
whole-home humidifiers
whole-home dehumidifiers

People almost always add IAQ devices after installation.

EPA strongly encourages better home IAQ for health and efficiency:
EPA Indoor Air Quality Guide
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq

Jake preps IAQ by:

✔ adding 120V outlet near the air handler
✔ adding 3–5 inches of filter rack space
✔ using a cabinet that accepts thick filters
✔ providing space for ERV/HRV placement
✔ designing proper duct ports for future tie-ins

🧊 10. Jake’s Future-Proofing Rule #9: PREP FOR HEAT PUMP EXPANSION UPGRADES

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Heat pumps are rapidly replacing old AC-only systems.

Future homeowners may want:

dual fuel
cold climate heat pumps
inverter systems
electric resistance heat upgrades

Jake future-proofs every home with:

✔ wiring for heat strips
✔ outdoor disconnect sizing
✔ oversized line-set conduits
✔ adequate pad dimensions
✔ blower motor compatibility
✔ control board compatibility

🔌 11. Jake’s Future-Proofing Rule #10: PLAN FOR BATTERY + SOLAR INTEGRATION

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Future AC systems will tie into:

battery storage
solar inverters
utility demand management
smart grid control

ENERGY STAR reinforces the role of solar-linked equipment design:
ENERGY STAR Renewable + HVAC Integration Guide
https://www.energystar.gov

Jake designs AC systems with:

✔ disconnect placement clear of inverters
✔ panel room for microinverter circuits
✔ smart thermostat with demand-response compatibility

🚀 12. The Complete Jake Method Checklist (Save This)

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Ductwork

✔ Oversize by 20–40%
✔ Add extra returns
✔ Add larger filter grilles

Electrical

✔ Oversize breaker & wiring
✔ Install dedicated outlet near air handler
✔ Leave panel space for HVAC add-ons

Controls

✔ 18/8 wire
✔ C-wire ready
✔ Smart thermostat compatibility

Refrigerant

✔ A2L-rated line sets
✔ Oversized conduit
✔ Accessible line-set covers

IAQ & Filtration

✔ 4–5” filter rack
✔ UV-ready
✔ ERV/HRV tie-in pathway

Zoning

✔ Room for dampers
✔ Room for zone board
✔ Trunk oversized to reduce static

Mechanical Room

✔ Service clearances
✔ Lighting
✔ Drain access

Future Electrification

✔ Heat pump-ready wiring
✔ Solar/battery-friendly disconnect layout

🎯 Final Thoughts From Jake

Designing a future-proof AC system isn’t complicated.
It just requires thinking ahead:

airflow
wiring
access
control paths
refrigerant rules
electrical capacity
add-on flexibility

You’ll spend a little more today…
…but you’ll save thousands over the next 15–20 years,
AND your system will stay compatible with every future upgrade.

Jake says it best: