Getting an HVAC replacement is one of the best ways to improve your home’s comfort and energy performance. Knowing what to expect during the replacement process will make the whole project much easier and less stressful. From the initial inspection to the final testing phase, here’s an overview of each step involved in the upgrade.
Schedule an Initial HVAC Inspection
The first step entails an initial inspection so we can check the condition of your current setup. This includes all ductwork, vents, insulation and the HVAC unit itself. Inspecting these parts lets us plan for any upgrades or modifications that we’ll need to make. You don’t want hidden issues—like air leaks, poor insulation or clogged ducts—to carry over because they’ll hurt the new HVAC’s overall performance and energy efficiency. It’s also during this step that we’ll ask questions about your heating and cooling preferences. This is your chance to share any concerns you have about hot rooms, noisy vents or high energy bills.
Receive Load Calculations and Efficiency Recommendations
This is one of the most important parts of the replacement process. We’ll look at the home’s square footage, ceiling height, insulation levels, window types and even how the sun affects indoor temperatures. The load calculation involves measuring heat gain and heat loss to determine what size HVAC your home needs. With a correctly sized unit, there’s a much smaller chance of short cycling, uneven temperatures and energy waste.
Review High-Efficiency SEER2 Systems for Gilbert’s Climate
Living in Gilbert, AZ means the summers get really hot and the winters are mild and pleasant. Because of this, the AC’s energy efficiency is a big deal for comfort and operating costs. Checking the SEER2 ratings of different units is extremely helpful in choosing a unit that will cool your home without using excessive energy. This is because the higher the SEER2, the more efficiency the unit will have. Higher SEER2 ratings come with higher price tags, but the long-term energy savings often more than make up for the initial cost.
Choose the Best HVAC Unit for Your Home
Once you receive your load calculation and efficiency recommendations, it’s time to choose a system. One of our technicians will go over the options that match your SEER2 preference and the pros and cons of each. Central air conditioners and heat pumps are two types of cooling that deliver exceptional performance, but they require proper ductwork and electrical capacity. Ductless versions are ideal when the home has severely damaged ductwork or no ducts at all. Taking time to compare models and efficiency ratings can save you a lot of money and hassle in the future.
Get a Transparent, Written Estimate
After you select a unit, we’ll give you a clear, transparent estimate for the replacement project. It’ll cover the cost of equipment, labor, materials and any additional services. You won’t have to deal with hidden fees or surprise charges since we explain everything upfront. If there’s anything on the estimate you don’t understand, we highly encourage you to ask questions.
Schedule Your Replacement Appointment
Once you approve the estimate, we’ll set up a time to do the HVAC replacement. We always work around your schedule, at a time that works best for you and your family. The whole project normally takes about one to two days to complete, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the installation.
Getting a Project Permit
HVAC upgrades in Gilbert do require a permit. We’ll walk you through the entire permit process so you can stay compliant and avoid delays.
Prepare the Home and Work Area
Before our crew arrives, make sure to clear the work area around the HVAC installation sites. For central heating and cooling, this means clearing away all furniture and storage items around the indoor units (air handler and furnace). Outside, you’ll need to clear plants, debris and patio furniture so we can replace the outdoor condenser. For ductless setups, you must clear the space around all indoor air handlers. Many ductless configurations put one in each bedroom and living area. Outside, the condenser must have clear access around it so we can install and test the system properly. The more workspace our technicians have, the faster we can get the job done.
Safely Remove the Old HVAC System
We start the replacement process by turning off the power and safely disconnecting the old system. Our team handles the step with precision to protect your existing setup. This is usually the loudest part of the project, but it doesn’t take long. One of our team members will dispose of the old unit for you so you don’t have to worry about it.
Inspect and Modify Ductwork If Necessary
Prior to installing the new unit, we’ll make any necessary adjustments to the ductwork. That could entail sealing leaks, adjusting airflow or even replacing severely damaged sections. Having properly sealed and insulated ductwork is essential to the new unit’s ability to maintain balanced airflow throughout the home.
Install the New HVAC System
This is the part where we install the new equipment and wiring, like the air handler and thermostat inside. Outside, we’ll place the condenser and connect the refrigerant lines, all while making sure we meet every applicable building code. Setting up all the new parts can take several hours. We use the utmost care and attention to detail to ensure every part has proper alignment and secure connections.
Seal, Test and Charge the System
Next, we do the refrigerant charging process, which usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. It involves taking temperature readings, checking pressure levels and performing several other diagnostic tests. A proper refrigerant charge is paramount for efficient cooling so the AC doesn’t struggle or break down when outdoor temperatures rise. With everything in place, we seal the system to make sure it doesn’t have any leaks.
Perform a Final Walkthrough and Test Run
We always do a thorough walk-through and test run with you to explain how the system works and how to control it. If you had us install a smart thermostat, we’ll explain each feature so you can achieve peak HVAC performance year-round. The walk-through and test run can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour; we make sure the system runs through a full heating and cooling cycle without issues.
Explain Maintenance Tips and Warranty Coverage
Before we leave, we’ll go over the system’s maintenance requirements and warranty coverage. Many of today’s newer systems come with manufacturer warranties that cover parts, installation defects and major components. Most units require annual maintenance to maintain their energy performance and to keep their warranty valid.
A/C & Plumbing Doctors helps customers all across the Gilbert area upgrade their homes with new HVAC systems. We also offer financing on approved credit, service agreements, and repairs to boost your unit’s performance.
Call A/C & Plumbing Doctors now to book a professional HVAC replacement in Gilbert.
