At Wingate, our furnace installers in Cincinnati are trained to follow a series of important steps. Furnace installation isn’t a DIY project. But we’ll review the most important stages of the process so you know what to expect.
How Long Does Furnace Installation Take?
A professional can install a furnace in four to ten hours. The larger the furnace and the larger your home (bigger houses require larger furnaces), the longer installation will take. The type of furnace, its efficiency rating, and the HVAC contractor’s experience also influence the installation timeline. Choosing the right furnace, completing repairs or updates in advance, and making room for technicians to work can speed up the process.
Furnace Installation Steps
Furnace installers in Cincinnati follow this series of steps to ensure the process goes smoothly and successfully:
Size the Furnace
An HVAC professional visits your home and performs a heat load calculation. Too large or too small a furnace won’t run efficiently or provide reliable heating. When sizing a heater, a contractor considers your home’s square footage, layout, orientation, and the amount and quality of insulation. They also consider the number of windows and doors and how many people are in your household.
Determine the Furnace Type and Efficiency
The right type of furnace must be selected. Combustion furnaces are historically the most popular in homes. However, electric furnaces are becoming more popular with homeowners looking for an alternative to burning fossil fuels. A furnace’s energy efficiency is also a consideration. More efficient units have a higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, which is listed as a percentage. The most efficient furnaces are rated up to 98% AFUE.
Remove the Old Furnace
Removing an older unit is a time- and labor-intensive step. Separating rusted connections, disassembling the furnace, and hauling away heavy components must be done cautiously. Installers are very careful not to cause property damage or injuries at this point.
Prepare the Site
Most likely, older duct connections and flue pipes won’t match the new furnace. These are dismantled and removed. The contractor then matches new components to the type and model of the furnace and prepares the room for the installation.
In the final preparation for furnace installation, the technician shuts off your gas line and electricity. Drop cloths are laid in your home where they plan to work. Wearing shoe covers, they bring in the new furnace and unbox it in the basement, garage, attic, utility closet, or wherever the unit will go. In addition, the gas line and/or your electrical panel are located (as are water lines if a humidifier is being installed).
As they begin, the installers read the manufacturer’s instructions. Despite their training, they must learn the individual model’s installation requirements. The manual also tells them about factory standard settings and other parameters.
Run the Duct and Drain
The heating unit and its cabinet are moved into place. The installer then decides where to run the ductwork the heater will be connected to. A duct run is connected between the main ductwork and the furnace, which requires sheet metal work. Expertise in this area enables a technician to ensure all connections are tight and leak-free. Vent pipes will also be set up if you’re installing a gas furnace.
Connect the Gas/Power Supply
The gas lines can now be linked to the furnace’s gas valve. For this step, a technician must be meticulous to avoid a gas leak. The unit’s low- and high-voltage connections are then wired. Low-voltage connections are made between the furnace, thermostat, and outdoor unit. High-voltage lines are run from the furnace to the electrical panel. If installing an electric furnace, the contractor will follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for setting it up.
Attach the Condensate Drain
The PVC pipe that directs water through the condensate drain and outside is connected to the furnace. Once set up properly, it will prevent water from backing up. Otherwise, water can flood the bottom of the furnace and the area around it.
Pre-Check and Testing
Before testing the furnace, the installers do a series of pre-checks to ensure they’ve done their work properly. Then they turn on the electricity and gas supply and start the furnace. Various readings are taken and the installers go through different settings to monitor how the furnace performs. If the test run is successful, the main furnace panel is attached and the technician explains how to operate and maintain the unit.
Schedule Service from Wingate’s Furnace Installers in Cincinnati
We have experienced, NATE-certified furnace installers that help homeowners throughout the Cincinnati area stay warm. When it’s time to replace your furnace, they’ll help find the right size and model for your home. A properly installed and maintained furnace can last around 20 years. Our team will ensure your heating system is reliable and runs at peak efficiency. To schedule furnace installation in Cincinnati and learn about our specials, maintenance plan, and financing, call 513-450-2164 today.