If you’ve decided you need a new furnace or air conditioning unit (or both), you may not know just what to expect throughout the whole experience. There are some good things to know and tips to keep in mind to make the process easy that can help you prepare for your installation appointment.
By taking a few steps to prepare for your appointment, you can make the entire experience not only enjoyable, but also easy. Here are five tips to help you become familiar with what to expect for your HVAC installation appointment:
1. Find a Technician
If you don’t already have a go-to HVAC company in the Bay Area for your needs, the first thing you’ll want to do is choose one. A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. is the area’s leading award-winning HVAC service provider, so give us a call! Any technician who serves you needs to be insured and licensed, and they should be more than happy to schedule an appointment to meet with you.
During that meeting, they can also give you an estimate and get measurements of your home or building that the installation will take place in. They’ll calculate the exact size of the HVAC system you’ll need.
2. Get a Written Estimate
Any HVAC contractor worth their weight in salt will not only be happy to provide a written estimate but will also expect to do so. That estimate should be signed and dated and include all costs of the HVAC installation job, such as:
- Clean-up costs
- An itemized list of installation and repair fees
- Job duration estimate
- Labor costs
- Machine/parts costs
- Any additional costs
- Detailed scope of work to be done
- Manufacture brand and model number of equipment to be installed
- Cost of job to be performed
- City permits and third-party testing verification included in the pricing
- Warranty information
If you have any questions about anything on that estimate, don’t hesitate to ask! The best HVAC company will always be happy to answer all of your questions.
3. Order the Right Size and Model
This one really should be on the shoulders of the HVAC installation crew, but many homeowners feel better when they also do the research themselves about the right size HVAC system for their needs.
A system that is too small will work continuously to try and meet the set temperature on the thermostat, and a system that is too large will short cycle constantly. Both scenarios will lead to a premature equipment failure and high energy bills for the homeowner.
Check Energy Star efficiency ratings and talk with your contractor about recommending the best units for your needs.
4. Get Your Home Situated
Once you have an appointment date and time, you can get your home ready accordingly. Move objects out of the path the installation team will need to take to bring the equipment to its destination site in your home. Remove everything and anything that is hazardous, fragile, or just in the way!
If there’s furniture in the way, that should be moved as well. When the time comes for your appointment, make sure all pets are safely out of the way.
5. Be Ready!
The contractors will begin by setting up their work areas; be prepared during the appointment for them to access crawl spaces, basements, and attics, depending on what needs to be done. If ductwork must be done, they will need access to several places in your home or building. Depending on the model and system that will be installed, equipment might be installed inside and outside of your home. Make sure ahead of time that you understand where work will be done so you can clear the appropriate spaces.
During your appointment, the technician(s) will turn the power to the HVAC system in your home off. If old equipment is present, refrigerant will be removed from it, and it will be removed and replaced with the new equipment. There may be some dust kicked up during installation, so you may want to cover nearby furniture. If duct work is needed, it will likely extend the time needed to complete the job.
If unexpected problems or issues arise that will affect the installation, the team member will speak with you about it. Once everything is complete, tests on the new equipment will be run, and the technician will go over instructions for the proper care and operation of your new HVAC unit. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have so you can enjoy your new system for years to come!
For trustworthy HVAC service by professionals with decades of experience, contact A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. today! We can provide you with everything you need to enjoy a new heating and cooling system that will save you money on your energy bills and more. Fill out our online form or give us a call!
