What to Expect from a Professional Heating Installation Services

As a property owner, it is likely that, at some point, you will be faced with the task of replacing your heating system. Whether due to age, damage or a simple preference for a different model, no heater can last forever. And unless you’ve had a new heating system installed before, you may find yourself with a wealth of questions, including what type of property heater you should choose and what exactly a heater replacement and installation entails.

That is where professional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians like our team at Optimum Air Solutions come in. With over 20 years of experience providing heating installation services to our community, we know just how confusing and overwhelming heater replacements can be. As such, it is our goal to answer your questions and keep you updated throughout the entirety of the process, allowing you to stress less and feel confident in your decision-making. And a good place to start? Providing you with a general overview of the new furnace installation process.

Preparing for a Heating System Installation

Once you choose an HVAC company to work with and speak with them about scheduling a heating system installation, technicians will need to come out and inspect your home. Not only will they look at the condition of your ductwork, vents, insulation and other HVAC components, but they will also need to get a sense of your property’s size and layout. This, as well as conversations with you, will help them to determine:

• Your property’s heating needs
• What size your new heating system should be in order to fit into your property and heat your building efficiently
• What types of heating—such as furnaces, ductless systems or hybrid heating—you can reasonably choose from
• Your budget for the project
• Any other personal preferences you may have. This allows your technicians to ensure that your needs are taken into account.

Following this, you should obtain an estimate of the cost and timeline of your heating system installation. If you approve, you and your technicians can schedule a time for the replacement and installation to begin. While technicians will handle equipment acquisitions, the laying of drop cloths and any necessary permit filings, there are some things you can take care of in advance. For example, moving any décor or other objects which may get in the way of technicians while they work.

The Process of Installing a New Furnace

The process of replacing your old heating system and installing a new one depends on a variety of factors, including the company you work with, the type of heating system you are installing, and whether there is any damage to components such as ductwork. In order to get a clearer idea of how your specific heating installation will work, it is important to talk to your HVAC technicians. However, for now, let us look at what generally goes into the installation of one of the most common types of heating systems in the United States—a natural gas furnace:

• The gas and power supply to your heater will be turned off, and components including wiring, gas lines and ductwork will be disconnected from your furnace.
• Once the old furnace has been properly disposed of, the installation area will be cleaned and prepped for your new heating system. Additionally, technicians may lay down a rubber mat—or something similar—in order to keep your new furnace from directly touching the floor. If it does, it may pull moisture from the ground and begin to rust.
• The replacement unit will be brought in, carefully positioned and secured. Then, technicians will reattach wiring, gas lines and ductwork, as well as connect your furnace to your thermostat. Any additional adjustments will be made to ensure that your furnace is properly placed, connected and ventilated.
• Power and heat will be turned on so technicians can check for any issues, including leaks and weak airflow. Your thermostat will also be properly calibrated to ensure that your new heating system will perform as smoothly as possible.
• Technicians will clean up any detritus from the installation before walking you through your new system and answering any questions you may have.

What Heating Systems Can You Choose From?

While natural gas furnaces are one of the most common heating systems owned by U.S. residents, there are plenty of other options for property owners to choose from, including:

• Oil, electric and propane furnaces
• Boilers and radiators
• Heat pumps
• Ductless mini-split systems
• Hybrid heaters, or a combination of an electric heat pump and a natural gas furnace
• Solar heating
• Space heaters

Understanding Potential Heating Installation Costs and Timelines

Like the installation process itself, the costs and timeline associated with removing your old heater and purchasing and attaching your new one depends on a variety of factors, including: 

• The model you choose
• How large your property is
• Any additional work that needs to be done or components that need to be acquired

In general, however, purchasing and installing a new heating system will likely cost somewhere close to a few thousand dollars at minimum and over $10,000 for more expensive models or involved installations.

The timeline of this project depends on factors including the complexity of your new heating system; whether an existing system needs to be removed; and whether additional adjustments, replacement or repairs are needed. Simple heating system installations may take 8 hours or less, while more complex work may take a full day, if not longer. Radiant heating systems, for example, which can be built into your walls and flooring, may be one of the most time-intensive installation processes.

Improve Your Property’s Climate with Optimum Air Solutions

Like air conditioning, a working heating system is an integral part of keeping your property comfortable. And as much as you may want to avoid it, replacing your aging or compromised unit is the best way to make sure that your HVAC system continues to function as intended. This process may seem overwhelming, but with an experienced company like Optimum Air Solutions by your side, you will have nothing to worry about. Having worked with a wide range of air conditioners and heating systems, we are ready to provide both advice and answers for any questions you may have. In the end, it is our goal to ensure that you—and your property—get everything you need from your heating installation. So if you would like to schedule an inspection and discuss our heating installation services, give us a call or send us a message today.