Installing a new HVAC system in your Syracuse home can be a complicated process, one that requires professional help and installation. Can it be a DIY activity you can knock out over the weekend? Probably not, and it’s probably not something you should be attempting.

Installing HVAC for homes in Syracuse, NY, is a relatively similar process for homes in other states, but it can be broken down into 5 general steps:

Estimate Your Home’s Heating and Cooling Loads by Estimating the Size of Your House

The first and most important step in HVAC installation is finding out the right-sized unit for your Syracuse home. This process begins by estimating your home’s Heating and Cooling loads which are affected by your house’s size, location, age, and construction materials, as well as general sun exposure and shade from nearby trees.

If that seems like a lot, remember: an incorrectly sized unit can lead to an HVAC system that will break much earlier than intended, which may lead to premature HVAC repair. That’s because an HVAC system that is too small or too big for a home can struggle depending on the season. It can lead to a home that feels suffocating in the summer and inadequate during colder seasons.

This is why it’s so important to find HVAC installers that are within your local vicinity familiar with Syracuse conditions. This ensures that they are aware of your house’s unique locations and are familiar with the area’s unique weather.

Check the Current Ductwork in Your Syracuse Home and Decide Whether it Needs an Upgrade

Now that you’ve found an HVAC system that is sized properly for your Syracuse home, it’s time to make sure that the air it pumps out is actually being circulated. Once the heating and cooling loads have been determined, a house’s ductwork needs to be checked to ensure that there are no holes, debris, or anything that might be blocking airflow across the system. 

Outflows and info registers are usually where debris can be found, so make sure that this is kept clean and clear. Leaks should be repaired and sealed prior to cleaning the whole ductwork. If your ductwork isn’t up to par, then it wouldn’t matter how good your HVAC system is because the air will not circulate properly.

Alternatively, you could also opt for a ductless system. For HVACs that have this system, holes are directly cut into walls, where the info registers and outflows will be installed directly. This might be a great option for houses that have faulty or severely damaged ductwork, as installing a ductless system would be cheaper than repairing or upgrading the entire ductwork of the house.

Situate Your HVAC in the Right Place

Whether you’ve chosen an indoor or outdoor system, you’ll still want to find a spot that is clear of debris, partially protected from the elements, and on even ground. Look around your Syracuse property to try to find an area that suits this criteria. Make sure that the HVAC unit’s fans are kept clear of any blockage and make sure that the spot you’ve chosen is slightly elevated from the ground to protect it from potential flooding.

Installing the HVAC Unit

Most HVAC units are now wall mounted, which makes installation as simple as finding a spot on the wall, placing the unit in, plugging it in, and turning it on. However, if your HVAC unit requires a duct system, then it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to a T. This is where professional HVAC installers come in handy: they have intimate knowledge of duct systems, making them experts in installing HVAC units regardless of brand.

Again, you might be tempted to DIY this, but we highly recommend that you work with actual experts familiar with HVAC specificities suited for Syracuse. Sure, it might be tempting to strap on your toolbelt and tinker with your home’s HVAC, but really, that’s not a good idea. Let the HVAC installers do their jobs.

An incorrectly installed HVAC system can reduce performance by as much as 30%. You should first do a final check before flipping the switch on any brand-new HVAC, including listening for any unusual noises and ensuring that airflow and temperature are consistent in every room. Complete basic maintenance tasks to learn how best to take care of your new equipment.

Let Us Help You Install Your HVAC System!

As one of the best installers of HVAC for homes in Syracuse, NY, 24 Seven HVAC prides itself on having some of the best HVAC experts on our team. We want to make sure that every single one of our clients is comfortable in their own home, and that all starts with helping them find and install the right HVAC system that’s appropriate for their house. Learn more about what we do and how we do it by contacting us, today!