So, it’s time to get a new HVAC system and you’re looking for “HVAC installation near me.” It can sound like a lot of unnecessary stress and work, and you may be worried about the process disrupting your home. You probably have many questions and are still determining what to expect regarding an HVAC installation.
Luckily, you aren’t the one doing the air conditioning installation. However, it helps to know what to expect when your local HVAC professionals arrive to switch out units. Understanding the process help put your mind at ease as they work. Let’s take a closer how to prepare to ensure the day runs smoothly and what to expect during the process.
Prepping for an HVAC Installation
As the homeowner, ensuring your home is ready for AC installation is important. If you have never had an HVAC replaced, you may not know how to prepare. Here are a few tips to help you get ready and make the process easier for everyone.
- Clear out as much space as possible in the room where the unit is being installed. Getting things out of the way makes it easier for the technicians to work. They don’t want to damage your belongings or hurt themselves by knocking into or tripping over your stuff.
- Do some landscaping around the outside air conditioner unit. Make sure weeds are pulled, the grass isn’t too long, and all equipment is cleared away.
- Double-check that all required permits and legal approvals have been obtained before the installation. Ask your HVAC company who is responsible for getting those in place ahead of time; this helps avoid delays.
- Be ready for a day without a heater or air conditioner. You can only sometimes account for the weather, but try to avoid days with extreme highs or lows. This step is for both your sake and that of the technicians.
- Understand the process is going to be loud. There is clanking, banging, and rattling involved in the process. Unless the technicians seem worried, the noises are expected, and you shouldn’t be alarmed.
- Plan to be present for the beginning and end of the process. But you don’t have to hang around for the entire installation.
- Remember, it is okay to ask questions. This is your home and your HVAC system; the technicians are happy to answer any questions.
HVAC Installation Service: What to Expect
Expect the HVAC installation service to take up most of the day. The entire process typically takes between seven and eight hours. The team arrives early to assess the work site and set up.
HVAC technicians generally assess the HVAC equipment in the basement, attic, and crawlspaces to ensure that nothing needs to be replaced. Each technician has a separately assigned job, and they work together to complete it as efficiently as possible.
The installation may require unexpected repairs. The team might need to replace damaged ductwork or rotten wall studs, complete electrical upgrades, or do drywall repairs. It is easier to tell what will be necessary once the team is on-site.
Step #1: Recover Refrigerant
The first step in the installation is to remove the old HVAC system. To do that, they must remove the old refrigerant from the outside unit. This hazardous substance is contained in industry-standard containers to ensure the refrigerant is disposed of safely and correctly.
Technicians must follow specific regulations to ensure the refrigerant is legally taken care of. Improperly drained chemicals can spill and cause problems, and refrigerant is a biohazard that can harm the environment. An experienced HVAC contractor ensures their team is adequately trained to avoid an incident.
Step #2: Measurements and Adjustments
The technicians take some time to inspect ductwork and other spaces. They measure where the new unit is being installed and ensure it fits properly. They also make sure there are no obstacles that might cause problems.
This step is essential if you want to move the HVAC system to a new location in your home. Be sure to discuss the move with your contractor before installation day. The team needs a proper heads-up to plan for a move and ensure it is possible.
Step #3: Remove and Replace
Once the refrigerant is removed and the technicians have inspected the spaces, it is time to take out the old unit. It’s a relatively straightforward process of disconnecting the unit from the ductwork and removing it from the home. The length of this process depends on where the HVAC is located.
After that, it is time to bring the new unit in and set it up. Remember, the new unit probably will look different from the old one—it might be a different size or shape and have completely different controls.
HVAC technicians expect differences in specs, but it might complicate the installation depending on the size and weight. Getting the new unit inside the house and situated correctly takes time and patience.
Step #4 Connecting to Ductwork
After the unit is in place, then comes the trickiest part. Connecting to the existing ductwork can be a complex process. Each house is unique, which can complicate matching existing ductwork to the new unit. The ductwork is adjusted to make the new setup function properly. Even a few inches too long or too short could affect how well it connects.
The team makes necessary adjustments on-site or goes to their supply shop to fabricate pieces. The contractor ensures that a qualified technician or engineer oversees this process. They have the knowledge to make the proper connections and get the system running correctly.
Step #5 Evacuating the Refrigerant System
Once the new unit is correctly connected, the system must be flushed. Any time the refrigerant system is open to the elements, things like air, moisture, dirt, and other debris can get in. Any debris in the system can cause severe damage to the unit. The technicians flush the system before putting in the new refrigerant.
The flushing or evacuating process can take anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour. Usually, they use this time to pick up some of their mess around the job site.
After the HVAC Install
After the new HVAC unit is installed and the refrigerant system is cleaned and refilled, it’s time to test the unit. This is one of the most critical steps. The technicians start up the system and test it to ensure that everything is working as it should.
The installation team inspects the unit and makes adjustments to help the HVAC system work as efficiently as possible. They test the airflow connection and strength and look for manufacturing defects. Unfortunately, defects are hard to detect before installation. The team troubleshoots and fixes any problems that arise.
Once all is well and the unit is running smoothly, you’re given an overview of how to use it. Good technicians provide tips on how to run your central air system efficiently and when to get it serviced. The team finishes cleaning up at this point and leaves you with your brand-new unit.
SoCal HVAC Installation Services
Home Comfort USA provides reliable, competent installation and maintenance services in Anaheim, CA, and surrounding areas. We’re here to provide unbeatable service if you need a new HVAC system. Our team is happy to serve you and all your heating and air conditioning needs.
Whether you’re looking for a new energy-efficient heating and cooling system to replace an old one, or you simply need HVAC repair or AC tune-up, Home Comfort has you covered. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with our HVAC services.
