A non California resident would most likely not associate a feeling of extreme cold with living in this state. It is a fact of life that the occasional wintry day and cold evenings can be very uncomfortable for the unprepared. For this reason, many people have a heating system installed despite our usual sunny, warm climate. If you’re considering a heater installation this fall to get ready for winter, you may be wondering what to expect during the process. Here are three key things to look out for before and during a heating system installation.
1. Preparation:
Before anything else happens, a professional HVAC contractor will make a detailed evaluation of your home. This is carried out using a series of measurements and some complex equations based on a number of different factors. The result is a heat load calculation that will tell the technician the correct size and type of heater required. An amateur may well skip this step, but it is essential that this phase is carried out. A heater that is too large or small will be inefficient and may not generate adequate heat. The result would be a home heating system that is both expensive to run, and that doesn’t generate enough heat.
2. Adequate Installation Time
Every heating system required a period of time to install, sadly not every installation is exactly the same and times can vary a great deal. This depends on upon a number of factors, such as the size of the home, the type of heating system and the location of the heater. That being said it is a good idea to allow for at least a full working day to have the system installed. This process will be quite painless if a reputable HVAC contractor is carrying out the work.
3. Making Connections
This is where the heating system is actually installed and configured to operate according to the heat load calculations made earlier. A furnace or forced air heater will be hooked up to the existing system in your home, but this will require some attention to make it work with the ductwork. The technicians will make sure that the heater in integrated with your electrical or gas fuel supply. This will be followed by extensive testing to ensure that the newly installed system is operating correctly and efficiently. At the completion of the installation, you should expect one of the installers to explain the operation to you and make sure that you receive all the manuals for the equipment installed.
Many people make the decision to try and save money by using a non qualified person to install their heating. This is a big mistake as they may recommend a heater that is too large or small to heat your home. They could fit the equipment incorrectly so that it doesn’t work as intended or it may fail early. A qualified and experienced HVAC professional will be able to carry out the installation quickly and correctly. A well fitted heating system will cost less to run, it will heat the home well, and it is far less likely to fail.