So you did it. You made the plunge and are getting a new furnace (or air conditioner). First of all, congratulations! This is a big investment and I know that you put a lot of time and effort into it. Now after the sales consultation and the final decision, the install date is scheduled. So how should you prepare and what should you expect?
Preparing the Home for an Installation:
Clear the areas around the furnace. A better, easy to get to work area means that a better job will be performed.
Clear the pathway to the furnace. If your furnace is located in the basement, don’t leave boxes and backpacks blocking the way. Though technicians will do their best to leave your home the way they found it, nobody is perfect and things could accidentally be knocked over or out of place. Therefore, it is best to clear the way yourself just to be sure everything stays safe!
Clear Landscaping. If you are having an air conditioner installed, make sure the outside area where the condenser unit will be is cleared of all bushes and landscaping. They can be re-planted after the unit is installed for aesthetic appeal.
Buy touch up paint if a new thermostat is being installed as well. Thermostats come in different sizes and shapes. When a new one is installed, you may have some uneven paints spots in areas that the old thermostat had previously covered. It is good to have extra paint or touch up paint on hand in order to correct this. In fact, you may even be able to ask the installing technician for help with this.
What to Expect from an Installation:
Depending on the size of the job, an installation could last anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. You should expect that the technician will use drop cloths, and that he or she will wear booties in areas with out drop cloths. Also, they should be working safely and not recklessly.
What You Can Do during the Installation:
Since the installer will be at your home for quite some time, please be aware that they
may need to use your restroom. Also, if it is a warm day and they are working in someplace hot like the attic, a glass of water is always appreciated.
Most importantly, before the technician begins working, or even before they come to your home, ask to see a copy of their workman’s comp insurance to ensure that if they get hurt on the job you and your family are not held liable. Installing a new furnace or air conditioner is a painless experience, and at the end you get to reap all of the benefits of a new, efficient furnace (or air conditioner!)
If you have any questions about the process, please feel free to contact Thermal Services!
