If you are considering investing in a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system you may not be quite sure what to expect.
We’ve provided helpful information about working with HVAC contractors and tips that will help you prepare your home before the HVAC installation even happens.
Here are five things you should be familiar with and what exactly to expect with your new HVAC installation:
1. Get your Home Ready
You can do several things before the installation crew arrives to assist with the process. Move precious items such as antiques and irreplaceable keepsakes to a safe location away from the installation site. Contractors could be uncomfortable if asked to move delicate items, as they don’t want to be responsible for an accident. If you have pets or small children, make sure they are away from the installation site.
This preparation can speed up the process of installation. It would be best to cover your heavy furniture and other objects that technicians can’t move with a dust cover because dust may build up during installation.
2. Get an Estimate
Even if only one part of your HVAC system needs replacing, consider replacing the entire system anyway to achieve maximum efficiency. The HVAC system size varies depending on your property, so ask your contractor about this consideration
Before starting the replacement, we recommend getting different HVAC installation cost estimates from trusted HVAC contractors or companies.
Upon arrival, the contractor will measure square footage and perform calculations based on your area’s climate, the size of your property and the home’s ability to contain conditioned air. After the assessment, the contractor will recommend a size and type of HVAC system and any necessary repairs to your current ductwork or exterior.
Recommended AC installation procedures may include:
- Upgrading attic or crawl space insulation.
- Resealing windows and doors.
- Repairing breaches in exterior walls where conditioned air might escape.
3. Find a Technician
You should get up to four HVAC repair cost estimates from trusted HVAC contractors. Prepare a list of licensed, insured and trusted HVAC contractors in your area and schedule a visit from them so that you can consult each one about your project proposal.
Conduct research for licensed, insured, and notable local HVAC contractors, then schedule an estimate for each contractor. Allow them to inspect your current system and evaluate the needs of the space. Once you have chosen a contractor, he will conduct an official measurement of the square footage of your installation site, conduct calculations and recommend the size and type of HVAC system.
Ask that the HVAC estimate is dated and signed and includes all costs of HVAC replacement, including:
- Job duration
- Itemized list of repairs and installation fees
- Cost of the new HVAC system
- Additional costs
- Clean up costs
Know what they have included in your warranty and compare the local contractors to see who is the most experienced and least expensive.
4. Get the Right Model and Size
Before buying an HVAC system replacement, research your space’s ideal type and size unit. Purchasing a unit that is the wrong size for the square footage of your property is inefficient and causes higher utility bills. Check to see if there are energy efficiency ratings on the system and if the product is certified by Energy Star. This rating ensures you buy the system that will work at maximum efficiency year-round and save you money throughout the system’s lifespan.
Consider the climate around your property to ensure you have the appropriate capacity to handle temperatures in your area. An experienced HVAC contractor can figure this out for you after noting all of the variables in your home.
You can ask your HVAC installation technician to recommend the best air conditioner for your home or list the best furnace brands based on top brands, your budget, and the energy efficiency rating you hope to find in a new AC unit.
5. The Installation Process
After the estimate is complete and you have chosen an HVAC contractor and new system based on their recommendations, you’re ready to proceed with the installation.
Upon arriving, an HVAC contractor will assess the job site and begin setting up their work areas. Before installing a new HVAC system, the technician must first replace old equipment with your new air conditioner and heating unit. This process may involve accessing the HVAC system in attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
After turning off the power to the HVAC unit, the contractor removes any old refrigerant from the AC system, disassembles and removes the old equipment. The installation crew will replace the old equipment first with your new air conditioner and heating unit. They will cut the power of the old HVAC unit, remove any refrigerant and disassemble and remove the old equipment.
The technician will lay drop cloths and protective paper to protect the flooring. And they should move household belongings near the work areas to a safe location and out of the way. Because the installation may create some dust, heavy furniture and other household items that you cannot move should be covered with plastic for protection. After ensuring the protection of all flooring and household items, the crew will bring in their tools and begin the project.
While electricians can complete most HVAC system replacements within a day, the installation process could extend into the next day.
The result may involve ductwork repair or replacement, depending on your HVAC needs. Suppose major ductwork is involved in your HVAC project. In that case, the crew members will work in attics and crawl spaces to repair or modify necessary. Major ductwork repairs could extend the completion of the HVAC replacement.
After repairing, the installation will begin. Depending on the model of the system you have chosen, you may install the equipment inside and outside your home. The components could include:
- The AC unit.
- The evaporator.
- The outside compressor.
- The condensing unit.
- The refrigerant supply lines.
- The thermostat.
- The condensate drain lines.
- The condensate pump.
They should also check all areas of your home that might affect the HVAC installation, such as any pipes that might need repair after the installation process and before operating the new system.
The installation will possibly require unexpected repairs. These repairs might include replacing damaged ductwork, rotten wall studs, electrical upgrades, and drywall repairs not in the original estimate. Trustworthy HVAC contractors will try to cover all the bases in the initial estimate; The technician cannot assess some things until the project has started.
Enjoy Your New HVAC System
Technicians perform pressure and vacuum tests upon completing the HVAC replacement installation. Then they charge the system with new refrigerant and perform a complete inspection of the new HVAC system. Technicians add refrigerant and activate the system to ensure all new components are working correctly.
After multiple tests are complete, your HVAC contractor should go over the proper operation of the new HVAC system with you and answer any questions you may have. Then you’ll be ready to enjoy a more comfortable home for years to come.
For trusted technicians with years of experience and expertise, contact cardinal today. Our technicians can provide you with the advice and skills you need to upgrade your HVAC system. Fill out our online form or contact us here.