What To Expect Before and After the HVAC Installation Process

The last thing you need is your air conditioner breaking down in the summer heat. However, before those sunny days reach 100° temperatures, you may want to consider an HVAC replacement.

Of course, you’ll have to hire experienced professionals to do the job. However, you’ll need to be aware of the steps involved in the HVAC installation process to prepare for your upcoming appointment. You can contact Gladiator Services in NJ and speak with Ramsey’s expert HVAC technicians about installing a new HVAC system.

Comparing Estimates and Finding the Right HVAC Contractor

You’ll need to make appointments with at least four reputable HVAC contractors to compare estimates and services. Scheduling consultations will allow each one to inspect the area around your outdoor unit, provide their professional advice, and give you an idea of the services they offer.

Inspection and Measurement of the HVAC Area

Each HVAC contractor will measure the square footage of your property and perform the initial calculations to determine the best replacement solutions. They will then provide projections based on:

• The climate
• Property size
•  The home’s ability to retain air from the unit

Contractors will also assess if your home needs ductwork repair or upgraded insulation before providing their initial estimate on their HVAC installation process.

Choosing the Best HVAC Contractor for the Job

As you compare HVAC contractors, create a checklist of standard requirements. Each contractor should be able to provide updated HVAC licenses, insurance, and a signed and dated HVAC estimate. The estimate should at least include the following:

• A price list
• Job start and end date
• Removal of the old HVAC costs
• Cost of HVAC installation
• Clean up costs
• Warranty

After comparing companies, you can pick the best contractor to start working on your HVAC installation process.

Determining the Correct HVAC Size for Your Home

Once you hire an HVAC contractor, they will use the results of their first inspection to determine the necessary tonnage coverage for your new central air conditioning system. Based on your property’s climate and square footage, they can figure out the amount of tonnage the system will need to handle fluctuating temperatures.

Let’s get an idea of how much tonnage you may need depending on the area of your property:

• 600 to 1100 sq. ft. (1.5 tons)
• 901 to 1400 sq. ft. (2 tons)
• 1201 to 1650 sq. ft. (2.5 tons)
• 1501 to 2100 sq. ft. (3 tons)
• 1801 to 2300 sq. ft. (3.5 tons)
• 2101 to 2700 sq. ft. (4 tons)
• 2401 to 3300 sq. ft. (5 tons)

Buying a unit that is too small or too large for your property can lead to inefficient results and a higher electric bill. Your HVAC contractor can recommend the best HVAC system to fit your home and list the top energy-efficient brands within your budget.

Removal of the Old HVAC System

Once you decide on the HVAC system that works for you, the next step involves removing the old system and replacing it with the new one. To ensure everything works properly during installation, the contractors will need to access certain areas of your home to make any required repairs and cut off power to your old HVAC unit. You will need to get your house ready to receive the HVAC crew so the installation process can go smoothly.

Preparing for the HVAC Contractors

Before the installation crew arrives, you will first need to move any furniture or valuables to a safe place so the contractors can have room to move. You should also cordon off any pets away from potential work areas. Make sure to also cover heavy furniture or immovable objects with a dust cover to prevent dust build-up during the installation.

Replacing and Repairing Ductwork

If your home needs major ductwork, HVAC technicians may need access to your attic and crawl spaces to make modifications for your new HVAC installation. They will also check other areas of your home that could affect the HVAC installation. For example, if plumbing needs repair, the contractors will also perform those repairs to ensure everything functions properly to accommodate your new unit.

Prepare for Unforeseen Circumstances

Any central ductwork or plumbing repair may extend the time frame of the installation process. Other unexpected repairs may pop up that the initial estimate didn’t outline. They can include but are not limited to:

• Replacing rotten wall studs
• Electrical upgrades
• Drywall repairs

Although most HVAC contractors try to address any needed home improvement before starting the HVAC installation process, they may still need to deal with unforeseen issues during installation. Prepare for those unexpected repairs to increase the overall costs of your HVAC replacement.

Installing the New HVAC System

Contractors will first cut off power to the old HVAC system and remove any refrigerant before disassembling and removing the unit. After the contractors complete all the repairs and necessary modifications, they will begin installing your new HVAC system and the following components:

• Evaporator
• Condensing unit
• New refrigerator supply lines
• Thermostat
• Condensate drain lines

Testing the HVAC System

After the HVAC installation, your contractor will perform pressure and vacuum tests to ensure your system functions correctly. Once it passes inspection, the contractor will add refrigerant before activating the system and retesting it to ensure that all the components work correctly. Finally, the contractor will go over the proper operation of the new system and warranty information with you before cleaning their work areas.

HVAC Service

If you’re looking for HVAC technicians in Ramsey, NJ, call Gladiator Services to speak with our expert air conditioner replacement and installation team. Our HVAC family remains dedicated to providing homeowners with affordable maintenance solutions for their air conditioning units. We offer various HVAC services, such as:

• Evaporator coil services
• Refrigerant leak repair
• Air duct cleaning services

The AC replacement technicians from Gladiator Services are here to help with all your HVAC needs. Contact us if your home needs HVAC repair or replacement, and visit us online to learn more about the HVAC installation process.