When temperatures are at extreme levels in Las Vegas, having a properly running HVAC system isn’t a luxury but a necessity. If you have an old air-conditioning unit or a furnace that’s struggling to keep your home comfortable, you may want to consider replacing it. Installing a new system not only increases comfort in your home; it also enables you to save on your energy bills.
Moreover, an ineffective HVAC system may be the result of dirty or clogged air ducts, which can be cleaned or require removal with the help of a professional HVAC technician. A good ventilation system promotes a healthier home and further improvement in managing temperatures.
Whether you want to replace your old HVAC unit or have your air ducts cleaned, you should make proper preparations to ensure a smooth process. Start by setting clear expectations, understanding the cost and timeframe, and asking the right questions. Here’s what you should expect during a new HVAC installation or duct cleaning visit: Always look for recommended technicians with good warranties for their services.
What Happens During a New HVAC Installation
If you’re planning to get a new HVAC system, you have to make sure it’s properly installed. A poorly installed unit can cause a variety of problems in the future, including an uncomfortable home, high utility bills, and frequent costly repairs. As such, choosing the right HVAC contractor and ensuring a smooth installation process can be as important as selecting the right air-conditioner model for your home. To properly prepare for an HVAC installation, you need to know what happens during the installation process.
Before Installation
Before you decide which air-conditioner model to purchase, your HVAC contractor will likely perform a pre-installation check to help you make the right choice. Different homes have different cooling needs, so the contractor will perform a load calculation and consider the cost to determine the size of HVAC you need.
This evaluation involves assessing the size, layout, and energy efficiency of your home and interviewing you about your family’s lifestyle habits and temperature preferences. It’s a necessary process to ensure you won’t have an oversized or undersized air-conditioner. You should be wary of contractors that give prices over the phone. Since every home is different, it’s impossible for any company to provide an accurate quote over the phone.
The technicians who come to your home for the pre-installation check may also check your air ducts to see if they’re dirty, clogged, or leaky. Poorly maintained or leaky ducts can make it difficult for them to size your new HVAC system. Hence, their removal or the recommendation for upgrades may be made.
After you have chosen an HVAC system, the contractor will call you to arrange a convenient time to perform the installation, sharing the expected timeline with you. On the day of the appointment, the installation team will arrive at your home at the scheduled time. If they encounter any unexpected delays, they will let you know as early as possible.
During Installation
When they arrive at your home, the installation team will take a quick look around your home to locate your old HVAC system and determine the most efficient and safest way to install your new air-conditioner. They will take care to protect your home from any potential damage that may result from the installation. A good contractor will use foot coverings and tarps to keep your home clean and safe.
Next, the installers will disconnect your old HVAC system and properly dispose of the refrigerant. They will remove all the components of your old air-conditioner from your home and then clean up the area to prepare for the installation of the new system. It’s essential to ask them questions about this process and the disposal of your old system.
After that, the team will bring in your new HVAC unit and all the equipment needed for the installation. If they need to perform retrofits to accommodate your new air-conditioner, they will do that first. In areas with limited space, such as the attic or crawl spaces, they may have to disassemble certain components to fit them into those spaces.
If necessary, they will make electrical upgrades to support your new air-conditioner and add drain lines, pipes, or other components to ensure compliance with building code requirements.
Remember to ask about their work warranty to be clear about the conditions and extent of their service responsibility post-installation.As a beneficiary of this service, your new HVAC system will be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications ensuring the heating functions efficiently. This is a source of assurance especially when your family needs to rely during the winter periods.
After Installation
After the installation is complete, the technicians will conduct a thorough inspection and test your new system. They will flush the old lines before adding new coolant to the air-conditioner and conduct vacuum tests to make sure they have performed a high-quality installation. By meticulously checking the duct work and potential mold presence, they not only ensure the proper functioning of your system but also safeguard your health.
Once your new HVAC unit passes inspection, the installers will remove all the equipment and materials used during the installation. Our company will then send out the selling technician to relay all the relevant information about the system and inspect everything again. Before they leave, they will make sure you’re absolutely pleased with the job done, recognizing the difference our services have made.
How to Prepare for an HVAC Installation
Access to a well-installed HVAC system is fundamental, making your investment worthwhile as it will be properly installed to function optimally. It will maintain a comfortable environment in your home, keep your energy bills low, and serve you well for a longer time. Take the following measures to ensure an efficient and successful HVAC installation:
Create Space for the Outdoor Condenser
Your new HVAC system will likely come with an outdoor condenser. Ideally, this large component should be located on the north side of the house or in a shady or sheltered place. It is crucial that it is placed with at least two feet clearance on all sides and that the area is free of any dirt, debris, plants, or objects that may hamper its operation.
Create Space for Installing the Indoor Unit
In addition to the outdoor condenser, the indoor air handler will be installed, necessitating a clear path to the installation site. This ensures that the unit can be wheeled in without any unforeseen obstructions.
Plan for Your Pets
Let’s not forget about our furry friends! If you have pets in your home, secure them in a closed room or at a friend’s house during the installation process to avoid any distractions or complications for the HVAC technicians.
What Happens During Air Duct Cleaning
The maintenance of your HVAC system must be seen as an undisrupted chain of services provided for the comfort and health of your family. Regular servicing of your existing unit ensures smooth operation and longevity. One very crucial task is the cleaning of air ducts, often overlooked yet it can have far-reaching implications on your unit and air quality.
Before Duct Cleaning
Before cleaning your air ducts, an HVAC technician will conduct a visual inspection to note the type and extent of any undesirable accumulation. Any obstacles in the form of pests must be dealt with prior to the cleaning. The success in addressing these preliminary issues can largely determine the effectiveness of the cleaning.
During this investigation, every nook and cranny of your duct system will be scoured. If needed, they may use a mirror or video tool to access deeper sections of the system. This level of inspection ensures that all possible problems are addressed, giving you the most favorable outcome when the cleaning does take place.
When homeowners are ready to rid their cooling system of undesirable pollutants, the technicians will seal off the entire duct system, the air conditioner included. Besides covering every opening in the system, they may also apply negative pressure within the system to prevent dust or other contaminants from spreading throughout your home during the cleaning process, leaving nothing to chance.
During Duct Cleaning
Companies with experienced technicians will clean the air ducts with long, flexible brushes and whips, the pros of this method being that these tools usually have a spinning head and vacuum cleaner attached. This enables them to loosen and suck up dirt and debris buildup. Should there be organic growth in your ducts, antimicrobial chemicals may provide the answers needed to treat the issue.
This not only helps to reduce odor but can also improve the air quality in your home, bringing benefits beyond the eye can see. Other than the ducts, the technicians will also clean components that are connected to the ductwork, such as vents and registers. The entire process takes an average of four hours, but it can vary depending on the size of your home.
After cleaning your air ducts, the technicians may provide homeowners with helpful tips on how to keep your ductwork in good condition. This can save quite some money on your HVAC system’s performance and improve your indoor air quality. These tips may include suggestions like getting higher-quality filters, changing the filter regularly, and performing routine maintenance.
After Duct Cleaning
If your HVAC system is experiencing chronic moisture, dust, or pest problem, companies often advise making some changes to prevent such problems from occurring in the future. For instance, relocating the outdoor intakes can help reduce unwanted substances or pest infestation in your system.
Similar to HVAC installation, the duct cleaning process can also be made easier and quicker with some preparations. Follow these tips to properly prepare your home for duct cleaning:
How to Prepare for Duct Cleaning
Before the technicians arrive at your home, ask them how much space they need around each vent and register. Then, remove any furnishings or objects from those areas. This will enable them to devote more time to cleaning the ducts instead of having to clear the work areas.
Clear Areas Around All Duct Openings
Although the technicians will try to keep dirt and dust inside the duct system by applying pressure, some residual particles may get into your living space during the cleaning process. As such, you should cover up your furniture and other belongings before the cleaning begins. Some contractors provide coverings and drop cloths to keep your home clean, while others don’t.
Cover Your Furniture
If you have children and pets, it’s best that you send them over to a neighbor or friend’s house before the duct cleaning begins. Duct cleaning, although hugely beneficial, can often be a noisy process, which can hurt your kids’ sensitive ears and irritate your pets. Also, your pets may cause a disturbance that prevents the technicians from focusing on the job, which can have an impact on the quality of their work.
Keep Your Children and Pets Out of the Way
If you’re looking for a reputable contractor to perform HVAC installation or duct cleaning in your home, consider contacting The Cooling Company. We can meet all your cooling needs with our extensive experience and expertise, highly trained technicians, and advanced equipment. Please note that we’re offering a 10% discount on our duct cleaning service in August. Call us today at (702) 567-0707. to get a free quote or make an appointment.
If you’re looking for a reputable contractor to perform HVAC installation or duct cleaning in your home, consider contacting The Cooling Company. We can meet all your cooling needs with our extensive experience and expertise, highly trained technicians, and advanced equipment. Please note that we’re offering a 10% discount on our duct cleaning service in August. Call us today at (702) 567-0707. to get a free quote or make an appointment.
