It is important to prepare for the winter months ahead by examining your heater for signs of wear and thinking about repairs or possible replacement of a malfunctioning system. If your heating system needs to be replaced, it is better to have it done before the start of the cold season.
It can be hard to know when it is time to replace your home’s heating system. There are a few signs you can watch for that let you know it may be time for a replacement.
Signs Your System May Need To Be Replaced
- You are experiencing much higher utility bills
- The rooms in your home are not heating evenly or you notice cold spots
- You are noticing strange sounds coming from your system
- You’re constantly adjusting the thermostat
- Your system is giving off an unpleasant odor
- Your system is having constant repairs and is over 10 years old
What To Expect With Your New Heating System
The first thing to do when you have decided it is time to replace your old system is call a professional HVAC company to provide an estimate. The highly trained technicians at Vines Restoration, Plumbing & HVAC will examine your old system and provide you with an honest, upfront estimate of what it will cost to replace it.
Choosing A System
After the estimate has been completed, our contractor will work with you to choose a new system that works best for your needs and the design of your home. Determining the size of the system is very important, and determines whether your heating system will run efficiently. Although we try to cover all the bases, unforeseen things such as electrical upgrades, replacing damaged ductwork or repairing drywall pop-up that are not included in your initial estimate. We will work with you to stay within your budget.
Length of HVAC Installation Job
Most HVAC system replacements can be finished within a day, but some jobs are more advanced and could take up to a few days. After arriving at the property and assessing the job, the contractor can let you know how long they believe your system install should take.
Preparing For Your Replacement
There are a few things you can do to prepare for the installation crew and speed up the work. Have valuable items, such as irreplaceable heirlooms and antiques, moved to a safer location. Installers can be uncomfortable moving these expensive items, because they do not want to be liable if something happens to them. Also, any pets should be moved to an area away from where the work is being completed.
When the crew arrives they will lay down protective paper or drop cloths in work areas. Next, they will move any remaining furniture or household items remaining in the work areas to a safer location. Heavier furniture that cannot be moved will be covered to protect them from dust.
Replacing Your Old Systems
The replacement crew will first replace the old air conditioner and heating units with new ones. They will have to access crawl spaces, attic areas and basements. They will then cut power to the HVAC unit, remove refrigerant and start to disassemble and remove the old equipment.
Repairing Or Modifying Ductwork
Existing ductwork will be evaluated to determine whether repair and/or replacement will be done. This will involve crew members working in your attics and crawl spaces to complete any modifications necessary. This may also extend the time it takes to complete the replacement.
Install Of Your New HVAC Unit
After repairs and modifications have been made to the existing ductwork, the installer will start to install the new system. Depending on the system, the equipment may need to be installed both on the inside and the outside of your home. Some of the components that may be installed include: inside evaporator or air handler, outside condensing unit or compressor, thermostat, refrigerant supply lines, condensate pump, and condensate drain lines. If wiring and circuit breakers need to be upgraded during the install, most contractors are able to complete this work. If the property’s electrical system needs major changes, a licensed electrical contractor may need to be called.
Testing the New System
After completing the replacement installation, the technicians will perform pressure and vacuum tests, as well as a thorough inspection of the new system before they charge the system with new refrigerant. After the system is activated, it is re-tested to make sure all of the components are working as they should be.
Before leaving, your HVAC contractor will go over proper operation of your new system and any warranty information. Your system will now be ready to see you comfortably through a new winter season.
If it’s time to have your old heating system replaced, call the name you can trust, Vines Restoration, Plumbing & HVAC.
