Comfort Supply's Blog by Clay Blevins

Tips for a Successful HVAC Installation  

Tennessee summers are known for county fairs, outdoor concerts and hot, humid weather. Even for those of us who grew up in the South, those sweltering days can still be tough to handle. With nearly two months left until fall, we want to give you some tips to help your installations go smoothly during these dog days of summer.

1. Evaluate the job

This may sound like a no-brainer, but it is essential that you adequately assess a job before installing a new unit. It is better to know what factors you’ll be dealing with in advance rather than having to go back and repeat or correct some of your work. 

Before beginning the installation, double check that you have all of the necessary supplies needed to perform the job. This can include the right hood, electrical equipment, ductwork and more.

2. Calculate the load

In order to determine the appropriately sized unit for a house, it’s necessary to calculate the load. This simple step can drastically improve efficiency. It’s also a good idea to ask the homeowner if he or she was satisfied with the previous unit’s cooling abilities; if not, that may be a strong indication that the unit did not fit the size of the house.

3. Inspect the ductwork

Another important thing to check before beginning an installation is the homeowner’s ductwork. An experienced installer can quickly detect ductwork that is damaged or needs replacing. In fact, a leaking duct can reduce efficiency by 40%. Pairing a new unit with thoroughly inspected ductwork will ensure the system can perform at its greatest capacity.

4. Upgrade the thermostat

Because today’s HVAC technologies continue to improve year after year, it’s important that the homeowner’s thermostat is up to date. Replacing old manual thermostats with new, programmable versions will allow the homeowner to maximize his or her comfort by the exact degree. Following the installation, be sure to program the thermostat so that it functions properly with the new unit.

It’s also important to advise homeowners not to adjust their thermostats more than two or three degrees while they’re away from home. Some people believe that turning up the temperature seven or eight degrees will save energy, but it actually requires more energy to cool the house back down than if the thermostat was set only a few degrees warmer.

5. Test the airflow

In order for a new installation to work efficiently, the airflow must be correct. Use a balancing hood or anemometer to test the airflow after installing. Many contractors fail to check and adjust it, resulting in nearly half of all warranty claims and user complaints.

6. Measure the BTU

After completing the installation, acclimate the new unit to around 70 degrees, and measure the BTU output of the new system to ensure it is performing at its best. The goal is for the unit to operate within 10% of the manufacturer’s expectations, which will provide the homeowner with the greatest performance possible.

Some of you could probably perform an installation with your eyes closed, but it’s always good to refresh your memory with helpful tips to ensure the successful completion of a job. Following these steps along with the unit’s step-by-step instructions is sure to result in a comfortable house and a satisfied homeowner.

Posted in air flow, Comfort Supply, Comfort Supply HVAC, commercial HVAC Tennessee, HVAC, HVAC installation, installation tips, Ruud by Comfort Supply Blog