What to Expect During an HVAC Installation or Replacement
Replacing your HVAC system is a major investment—and for many homeowners, it can feel overwhelming. What’s going to happen? How long will this take? Will my house be torn up? etc.
At Top Notch Heating and Air, we make sure you know exactly what to expect so there are no surprises. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what happens during a typical HVAC installation or system replacement.
1. Arrival and Preparation
We start by arriving on time, greeting you professionally, and walking you through the plan for the day. Before we bring any equipment inside, we protect your home — laying down drop cloths, using shoe covers, and carefully removing the old system.
You’ll always know who’s working in your home, and we’ll treat it with the same care we treat our own.
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2. System Removal
Removing the old system usually takes 1–2 hours. That includes safely disconnecting power, refrigerant lines, and duct connections.
We also inspect for any hidden issues, like damaged ducts, bad wiring, or oversized/undersized equipment from a previous install prior to initiating the Installation process.
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3. New Equipment Installation
Once the old unit is out, we prep and install the new system. This may include:
• Furnace or air handler
• Condenser outside
• Electrical upgrades
• Drain lines or pump
• New pad or platform for outdoor unit
We take the time to do it right — clean lines, sealed ducts, proper slope, and secured wiring. Quality installation directly impacts system life and performance.
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4. Refrigerant Charging and Testing
Once installed, we pull a full vacuum on the system to remove moisture and air, then charge it with refrigerant per manufacturer specs. If a proper deep Vacuum is not pulled (500 microns) on a system moisture will mix with refrigerant and forms hydrofluoric acid, corroding internal components like the compressor and metering device which can lead to premature failure over time.
We run full diagnostics, check superheat/subcooling, Temperature difference across the coil, amp draw etc. and make sure every component is working the way it should. No guesswork.
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5. Thermostat Setup and Final Walkthrough
We’ll program your new thermostat, walk you through how it works, and answer any questions.
Before we leave, we clean up our work area completely — no debris, no parts left behind. Then we go over the entire install with you, including maintenance tips and warranty info as well as all paperwork on the new HVAC system.
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How Long Does It Take?
Most standard replacements are completed in one or two day. Larger homes or custom installs may take longer, but we’ll always let you know what to expect before the job starts.
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Conclusion:
When you work with Top Notch Heating and Air, you’re getting more than a new system — you’re getting peace of mind. We pride ourselves on clean work, honest communication, and installs done right the first time.
Thinking about a replacement?
Contact us today for a free in-home consultation or second opinion.
