Installation process for new HVAC Systems

• On the morning of your HVAC system install we will call you when we are on the way so that you know exactly when to expect us.  We make every effort to arrive between 8 & 9 in the morning, but sometimes there are unforeseen problems gathering the equipment and materials for the day.
• When our install crew arrives, generally 2 – 3 people for a basic single system install, our lead installer will greet you and introduce the entire crew.
• The lead installer then asks you to walk the job with him; he will explain to you exactly what we will be doing in detail and make sure that we are meeting all of your expectations.
• We will then lay down drop cloths around any area we will be working to keep your floors clean.
• The first step to taking out the old equipment is to recover the refrigerant, and we follow EPA and state guidelines to ensure that it is disposed of properly and environmentally.
• Before we removed any electrical components we will shut off the breakers that power the indoor and outdoor equipment.  Once we are sure that the electricity is off we remove all wires.
• The installers will then remove your old equipment and thermostat. We clear the area completely where the new equipment will go and make sure that there is a clear path to the installation site.
• Next, we move all new equipment and any tools & material needed to complete the job to the location of install. If your equipment is in the attic, and the attic access is not very big, we may have to disassemble the equipment, deliver it into the attic, and then reassemble it.
• We replace plywood that supports the attic unit if necessary and will also line the return if needed.
• We ensure that the area is level and then place the filter base or foam blocks also assuring that they are level.
• Now we are ready to set the indoor equipment in place, and again make sure that it is level.
• For the outdoor equipment; we will level the existing pad if it is useable, or replace the pad with a new one if the old one is deteriorating. Sometimes this requires our installers to level the soil underneath the pad and remove any rocks that are creating a problem.
• If there is an existing disconnect box outside we will replace it with one that is rated to the manufactures specifications.  If there is not a box, then we will add one.  We also change out the fuses to ones that can handle the electrical load for the new equipment.
• We will connect the flue pipe to the new furnace, and insure that it is up to code with a 1 inch clearance around the pipe.
• If it is a gas furnace we will install a sediment trap on the gas line to prevent damage to the gas valve.
• We will flush RX-11 through your lines, this breaks down any acid or chemical deposits that may be left over from the old R-22 refrigerant.  Once that flush is completed we clear the line with high pressure nitrogen up to 2000 pounds.  This is something that most companies do not do, but we feel it is very important for the health of your new heating and cooling system.
• We install the filter drier and then begin to braise the lines.  We use extreme caution while braising to minimize any safety risks; we keep water and a fire extinguisher close by.
• Once everything is connected we pressurize the system up to 150 pounds and hold it for 30 minutes to make sure there are no leaks.  We double check for leaks by spraying soap bubbles on the lines to assure that everything is sealed properly.
• We then set the system up on a vacuum, we vacuum to the manufactures specifications of 500 microns, sometimes this can take as long as 2 hours. We hold the vacuum for 15 minutes.
• While the system is set on vacuum we finish up any wiring that needs to be connected, and we run the drain line to code at the correct slope. We flush the drain line with 500 pounds of nitrogen, and then water to make sure everything is flowing correctly.
• To break the vacuum we start to charge the system with new refrigerant.
• We finalize any tie-ins and then mount the thermostat; we make sure that the thermostat is calibrated correctly.
• Then we commence with the startup of the equipment.  We play close attention to the compressors amp draws and let the system run for 15 minutes.
• After 15 minutes we check the charge of the refrigerant; high efficiency equipment needs the charge to be very accurate. We cannot correctly charge the condenser unless the outside temperature is above 70 degrees.
• Most systems have a TXV or thermo expansion valve; this regulates the flow and the amount of refrigerant that feeds into the evaporator coil.
• 30 minutes after charging we check the charge again, if it does have a TXV we use the sub cooling method, if it has a fixed orifice, also called a piston, then we use the super heat method.
• The install is now complete – we clean up all work areas and remove drop clothes, we ensure that your home is left looking tidy.
• The lead installer will meet with you again to go over all paperwork, finance papers if applicable, warranty information, thermostat training, and answer any questions that you may have.
• He will also walk the job with you again to assure that you are satisfied with the work.
• All of our installs are given a year of preventative maintenance, so we will be following up with you the following April and October to check they system performance.