HVAC installations or upgrades can take anywhere from one to three days to complete, but will provide benefits for years. The right system increases energy efficiency, improves home comfort, lowers bills over the long term, and may even increase your property’s value. While your contractor will give you more specific instructions, here are a few general tips for simplifying the process. 

Do:

Choose the right system. 

Your HVAC contractor will calculate what’s right for your home. However, it’s helpful to know general guidelines. For instance, a unit with 14,000 British thermal units (BTUs) might work for a property with 500 to 700 square feet, but you’ll need much more for a sprawling 3,300-square-foot house. Other factors may impact your needs, like how many windows your home has, the R-values of its insulation, and how much natural sunlight it receives. 

Clear the area. 

Talk to your contractor about accessibility to the areas of your home where work will be done. If they're just upgrading the exterior condenser, this may be a matter of clearing the area of overgrown shrubbery or other landscaping. If the installation entails adding or replacing ductwork, furniture may need to be moved out of the way. While not a hard requirement, cleaning lightly in advance can help minimize the spread of dust when old equipment is removed. Plastic sheeting or drop cloths may be used to protect flooring or items that otherwise can't be moved.  

Don’t: 

Leave valuables around. 

Although professionals will take every precaution to minimize disruption to your home, HVAC work can stir up a good bit of dust. The contractors will also need to maneuver equipment back and forth. For best results, move precious or fragile items into storage for the duration of the project. Wrap them in soft cloths or newspaper and keep them in plastic bins. 

Forget to protect the unit. 

Most exterior units don’t need protective covers. They have metal casings designed to withstand the elements. Covers can actually trap moisture inside the equipment or hinder operation. Air-to-air heat pumps, for instance, should never be obstructed. However, you may want to install a fence around the area to keep curious critters and pets away. Talk to your contractor about proper design, such as ensuring you have enough clearance around the unit.  

If your home is due for an HVAC upgrade, turn to Ron Hammes Refrigeration in La Crosse, WI. This full-service HVAC and refrigeration company offers unbeatable installation and repair services for your home or business. Visit them online to learn about their services. Call them today at (608) 788-3110 to schedule an appointment or for emergency services 24 hours a day.