Heating / January 7, 2020
What to Expect During a New Furnace Installation
A new furnace often means better heating and more energy efficiency. Installation rarely takes more than a few hours, but it is still a good idea to know what to expect so that you can prepare accordingly. Here’s what you can expect with a typical furnace installation:
Advance Inspections
Certain tasks must be completed before the new furnace is put in. Your technician may schedule an appointment a few days before the install for the following tasks, or they may perform these tasks on the same day as the planned installation:
Ductwork
Damaged or leaky ductwork must be fixed before the new furnace is installed if you want the furnace to work properly. Duct testing checks for leaks by measuring the airflow throughout the system. Your tech will use a device to pressurize your system so that they can detect any leaks.
If leaks are found, you may need to have your ducts repaired before the new furnace installation can proceed. While this may seem like an inconvenience, it is well worth it in terms of furnace function and energy savings.
Electrical Panel
If your electrical panel is out of date, it will need to be brought up to current standards before the installation can proceed. Older homes are more likely to need an upgrade compared to newer homes. Many older panels are designed for a maximum of 60 amps of power, which falls short of the needs for more modern homes.
A panel upgrade in advance of your install not only ensures that your electrical panel can handle the load; it also cuts down on the chances of tripped circuits and power surges that could damage the new furnace or other appliances in your house.
Furnace Removal
You will experience some interruptions in your home during installation. Know what they are beforehand so that you can prepare in advance.
Paths and Staging
The technician will need space to remove the old furnace and bring in the new one. You can prepare ahead of time so that this part of the process goes much more smoothly. Clear out any items that are stored around your furnace room, especially if they block pathways. Paths from the front door to the furnace should also be cleared so that the tech can easily move the old furnace out and the new one inside.
Further, make sure that the electrical panel as well as all of the vents and registers in the home are unobstructed. Your tech may need to access these during the install as well.
Power Outage
Expect a short power outage during installation. Your tech will likely need to cut power to the house while they remove the old furnace and hook up the new one. If you were planning for a day of cooking or other electricity-consuming tasks for the same day as your furnace installation, you may want to change your plans.
Post Installation
A few more tasks remain once the old furnace is out and the new one is installed. Your technician will complete the following before they leave:
Furnace Test
It’s vital that the furnace is tested to ensure it is functioning. To this end, an airflow test is typically performed. The post-installation air flow test is similar to the duct test that was performed before installation, but it is designed to make sure that the furnace is performing as expected and that the supply ducts were properly hooked up.
Thermostat Test
Often, a new furnace is also a good time to upgrade to a programmable thermostat. Doing so could save you money on your energy costs. Newer thermostats have WiFi capability that allow you to control your system from your phone.
Whether you upgrade the thermostat or not, the final test will be to verify that the thermostat is interfacing with the new furnace properly. Your tech will turn the thermostat to several different settings and then wait to make sure the furnace is reading the setting properly.
Final Walkthrough
Before your Mauzy installation crew leaves for the day, they will do a final walkthrough with you. We will show you exactly what was done, teach you how to work your new thermostat and will advise of some tips and tricks to maintain your system.
Contact Mauzy Heating, Air & Solar for more information on a new furnace installation.
