Preparing Your Home for HVAC Installation
HVAC installation is a big deal. The installation marks the start of a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Do your best to ensure the installation day’s success, whether you plan a new installation or a replacement. Below are some practical tips on how to prepare for the big day.
Ensure Home Accessibility
The first tip is to ensure that the contractor and their team can access your home. Specifically, ensure that:
- The main entryway is open, and the contractor’s van can access your home
- You have parking space for the contractor’s van; for example, you should clear objects in the yard and shovel your snow for a winter installation
- All the relevant doors are open, and the installation team can access all the necessary rooms
Good accessibility allows the installers to focus on their work and complete the installation efficiently and on time.
Remove Obstructions
The installation team should not have to remove objects from the installation areas. Clear such areas so that the team can get to work as soon as they arrive. Some of the areas to clear include:
Areas around electrical receptacles that the system will plug into
An indoor space, such as the basement or garage, which can accommodate the indoor unit
Adequate outdoor space for the condenser unit
The specific areas and clearances depend on the HVAC system. For a replacement system, just ensure that the areas around the existing system are clear. The contractor will specify the areas to clear before the installation day if you have planned a new installation.
Protect Valuables
Expect some vibrations, dust, and general disturbances in your home, depending on the nature of the installation. These disturbances can help damage fragile items. Thus, remove valuables from the vicinity of the installation areas. Things like artwork on the walls, glass objects on stands, and delicate houseplants should not be in the areas.
Arrange Children and Pet Care
If you have children or pets, prepare for their care during the installation. For one, children are naturally curious and might get in the way of the workers. The workers’ tools and equipment can also attract your children even though the tools are injury risks. Even pets, such as dogs, might interrupt the installation process.
Confine the children and pets to a section of your home if the home is big enough. For example, you can keep the pets in a lockable section of your yard. A better option is to have someone look after the kids and pets.
Confirm Your Availability
If you are usually not at home, make provisions available on the installation date. The installers should find someone at home who can:
- Confirm the installation areas
- Answer questions that might come up during the installation, for example, if the installers discover hidden damages
- Confirm the system’s operation during post-installation testing
- Understand how to care for the HVAC system
- Understand signs of malfunctions, especially during the first few days after installation
Have someone at home to make decisions on your behalf if you cannot be available.
Observe Contractor Instructions
Your contractor will give you specific advice on preparing for the installation — heed their advice. For example, some installers will ask you to close the vents to minimize dust and debris circulation. Others may advise you to leave the vents open for their arrival. Don’t listen to other people’s advice; stick to your contractor’s specifics.
Your HVAC installation will go as planned if you hire the right contractor and prepare for the installation day. Triangle Heating & Cooling installs, repairs, and services different HVAC systems. We have over 60 years of industry experience. Contact us for a quote on your HVAC needs and enjoy our professional services.
