Furnace Installation

While technically it’s possible for a homeowner to install a furnace, it’s generally not recommended unless you have specific training and experience in HVAC systems. Furnace installation involves handling electrical, gas, and potentially refrigerant lines, which can pose safety risks if not properly managed. In addition, furnaces need to be precisely sized and calibrated for your specific home; incorrect installation can lead to inefficiency, higher energy costs, and even premature system failure.

Moreover, doing it yourself might void the manufacturer’s warranty, leaving you without coverage if problems arise later. Most manufacturers require professional installation to ensure the product is safely and correctly installed.

For these reasons, it’s generally best to have a new furnace installed by a licensed and insured professional like those at The AC Therapist. They have the necessary training, experience, and tools to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

Schedule Online Today or Call (813) 343-2212

Furnace installation involves several steps to ensure that the system will work safely and efficiently. Here’s what a standard installation process generally includes:

1. Removal of the Old Unit: If there’s an existing furnace, it needs to be safely disconnected and removed. This includes dealing with gas, electrical, and ductwork connections.

2. Selection of the Right Furnace: The installer should help you choose the right furnace based on your home’s size, your climate, and your heating needs. This process may involve performing a heat load calculation.

3. Preparation of the Installation Area: The area where the new furnace will be placed needs to be cleaned and prepped. This may involve creating a stable, level surface for the furnace to sit on.

4. Installation of the New Furnace: The new furnace is placed in position, and all the necessary connections are made. This includes gas or oil lines, electrical connections, and ductwork. In addition, the flue pipe must be correctly installed and vented.

5. Thermostat Installation or Connection: The furnace will be connected to the thermostat. In some cases, a new thermostat may be installed at the same time as the furnace.

6. System Testing: Once everything is connected, the installer will turn on the furnace and run it to make sure everything works correctly. They’ll check that the furnace ignites, heats up, and distributes warm air throughout the home as intended.

7. Instruction on Operation and Maintenance: The installer should explain to you how to operate the furnace, replace the filters, and perform other basic maintenance tasks. They should also tell you what signs might indicate a need for professional repairs.

Please note that the specifics can vary depending on the type of furnace, the particular model, and the specific needs of your home. At The AC Therapist, we ensure a comprehensive installation process that leaves no detail unattended, guaranteeing a smooth, efficient heating solution for your home.

Schedule Online Today or Call (813) 343-2212

The length of time it takes to install a furnace can vary greatly based on several factors including the complexity of the installation, the type of furnace, whether it’s a replacement or a new installation, and the specific conditions of your home. However, on average, you can expect a professional furnace installation to take anywhere from 4 to 10 hours.

If the installation involves extensive ductwork modification or if it’s a new installation in a home that didn’t previously have a central heating system, the process can take a couple of days. It’s important to remember that rushing through a furnace installation can lead to mistakes. At The AC Therapist, we prioritize quality and safety over speed, ensuring that your furnace is installed correctly the first time.

Schedule Online Today or Call (813) 343-2212

Installing a furnace is a complex task that requires specialized knowledge and skills. It involves handling electricity and potentially dangerous substances like natural gas or oil. In addition, an improperly installed furnace can lead to inefficient operation, higher energy costs, and even hazardous conditions such as gas leaks.

Here are some challenges that make furnace installation a difficult task for most homeowners:

1. Sizing the Furnace: Furnaces need to be the right size for the space they’re heating. This involves calculating the heat load of your home, which is a detailed process requiring specific knowledge.

2. Handling Gas and Electricity: Furnace installation involves making connections to both your home’s electrical system and the gas line. This can be dangerous without the right training and tools.

3. Venting the Exhaust: Furnaces produce exhaust gases that need to be vented to the outside. The venting process must be done correctly to prevent the buildup of dangerous gases in your home.

4. Ductwork Installation or Modification: If you’re installing a new central heating system, it may involve installing new ductwork or modifying existing ductwork. This can be a large and complex task.

5. Regulatory Compliance: There are various codes and regulations related to furnace installation that must be adhered to ensure safety. An understanding of these codes is crucial.

Because of these complexities and the potential dangers involved, it’s typically recommended that furnace installation be left to licensed, trained professionals like the team at The AC Therapist. They have the skills, experience, and equipment necessary to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

Schedule Online Today or Call (813) 343-2212

The cost of furnace installation can be substantial, but it’s important to understand that this process involves a lot more than just the cost of the unit itself. Here are several factors that contribute to the cost:

1. High-Quality Equipment: The cost of the furnace itself can vary significantly based on its size, type, brand, and features such as energy efficiency rating. Higher-quality, energy-efficient furnaces may have a higher upfront cost, but they can save you money in the long term through reduced energy bills.

2. Labor: A furnace installation is a complex job that requires a team of experienced technicians. The cost of labor for this team is a significant part of the total cost.

3. Customization and Challenges: Each home is unique, and so is each furnace installation. Customizations may be necessary to ensure the new system works efficiently with your home’s existing infrastructure. Any challenges, like hard-to-access installation spots or necessary modifications to ductwork or electrical systems, can add to the cost.

4. Safety and Code Compliance: Installation must comply with local building codes and safety standards, which often requires specialized tools and knowledge. This is especially true when dealing with gas furnaces, where improper installation could lead to dangerous gas leaks.

5. Post-Installation Testing: Once the furnace is installed, it needs to be tested to ensure it’s operating properly and efficiently. This step is crucial to preventing issues down the line.

6. Warranty and After-sales Service: Part of what you pay for with professional installation is the peace of mind of having a warranty on the work done. This includes after-sales service, where the company will address any issues that arise after installation.

While the cost may seem high, it’s an investment in your home’s comfort and safety. Choosing a reputable, professional service like The AC Therapist can ensure a smooth installation process and help avoid future costs related to improper installation.

Schedule Online Today or Call (813) 343-2212

Recognizing the signs that you may need a new furnace is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and safe living environment. Here are some key indications that your furnace might need to be replaced:

1. Age of the Furnace: The average lifespan of a furnace is around 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is approaching or has surpassed this age, it might be time to consider a replacement, even if it’s still functioning. Older models tend to be less efficient and may pose safety risks.

2. Rising Energy Bills: If you’ve noticed a steady increase in your heating bills over time, even after regular maintenance, this could indicate that your furnace’s efficiency has dropped and it may need replacing.

3. Frequent Repairs: If your furnace needs constant repairs, it might be more cost-effective in the long run to replace it entirely, rather than continually paying for fixes.

4. Uneven Heating: If some rooms in your house are colder or hotter than others, or if you’re always adjusting the thermostat to stay comfortable, it could be a sign that your furnace is no longer able to distribute heat properly.

5. Excessive Noise: While all furnaces make some noise, if your furnace has become unusually loud, or if you hear rattling, popping, humming, or screeching sounds, it could be a sign that something is seriously wrong.

6. Poor Indoor Air Quality: An old or malfunctioning furnace may not filter air as effectively, potentially leading to an increase in dust, dirt, or signs of mold in your home.

7. Visible Signs of Rust or Cracks: If you notice any signs of rust or cracks on your furnace, particularly on or around the heat exchanger, it could pose a serious safety risk, as it could lead to a carbon monoxide leak.

Remember, when you see these signs, it’s important to have a professional, like the team at The AC Therapist, evaluate your furnace and guide you through your options, whether that be further repairs or a new installation.

Schedule Online Today or Call (813) 343-2212

Whether you need to replace your ductwork when installing a new furnace depends on the condition and compatibility of your existing ductwork. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Condition of Ductwork: If your existing ductwork is in poor condition with leaks, cracks, or insulation problems, it may be beneficial to replace it. Poor ductwork can significantly reduce the efficiency of your new furnace and cause comfort issues in your home.

2. Compatibility: The ductwork needs to be compatible with your new furnace in terms of size and design. If your new furnace is a different size or type than the old one, the existing ductwork may not provide optimal performance.

3. Age: Like all parts of a home, ductwork doesn’t last forever. If it’s been 15 to 20 years since the ductwork was installed or last replaced, it may be worth considering a replacement to ensure optimal performance from your new furnace.

4. Indoor Air Quality: Old, dirty ductwork can contaminate the air flowing from your new furnace, causing possible health and respiratory issues.

5. Energy Efficiency: Ductwork that is not well-insulated can lose heat, making your heating system work harder and decreasing its efficiency.

It’s best to consult with a heating professional like The AC Therapist during the planning stages of your new furnace installation. They can inspect your existing ductwork and provide guidance on whether replacement or modification is needed.

Schedule Online Today or Call (813) 343-2212