There are different ways to install a new air conditioning system. On the other side, there is however, a wrong way of installation and the right way. HVAC specialists, expectedly, have to determine whether installations are either right or wrong. The right way of installation has involved in a multi-process having with a very careful and comprehensive attention to details combining with the application of advanced technology such as construction schedule software tool. Nonetheless, the wrong way has produced more conflicts and has long-term consequences.
Today, roughly, 4 out of 5 homeowners who have decided to replace their system have realized that there was no improvement in performance in comparison to the previous HVAC system. Hence, the problem they faced having the AC unit before wasn’t resolved at all. This is a recurring issue for HVAC professionals and they are bound to determine what are the areas they need to improve and the factors they need to consider.
This blog will be setting out 6 comprehensive steps in how to achieve a high-quality HVAC system that will certainly help HVAC professionals.
- Assessing Homeowner’s Comfort Requirements
First and foremost, assessing the clients of all possible factors that can be impactful and affect the comfort and convenience in the home is the first thing they do. HVAC contractors have been fairly negotiating with the clients apart from getting focus on the services and the timeline of the project. Discussing these factors to the client and help them, the homeowners to understand what the process will be and what are other procedures need to be executed is an essential thing they do. Installing IAQ products can also be one of the many suggestions from HVAC experts.
Below are the 3 most important factors HVAC experts necessarily considered:
- Size of the space
- The weather pattern in the current location
- Number of rooms at the house, etc.
Apparently, these specialists are all the way using trending builder software for them to manage the ongoing project. In this way, supervising the project/services is easier and convenient. The subs and other crew are easily supervised as well. This advanced software tool is incredibly useful in many instances. It’s certainly worth having and using.
- Recommending the Ideal HVAC products
This is where HVAC technicians promote the utilization of energy-efficient products. When recommending to their clients, they are most particular with the products having higher SEER rating or seasonal energy efficient ratio as well as HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). The HVAC professionals will be then explaining what these mentioned standards all about and why these are considered essential.
- Performing Load Calculation
To define what load calculation is, this is known as one of the most important processes precisely done by HVAC contractors and subs. This process is preferably used to identify the ideal HVAC system for the homeowner’s space. HVAC experts are very aware of the process of load calculation. If they calculated it inaccurately, it can cause several issues including sudden unexpected breakdowns, discomfort, disorganization, and costly repairs. These issues occur because the HVAC unit haven’t met the home’s cooling and heating demands.
Not every place or home has the same size, location or weather conditions, and meeting the required specifications is necessary. Thus, the HVAC team must perform a thorough load calculation in order to discover the exact and ideal HVAC unit for the client’s home. It wasn’t surprising anymore that HVAC technicians are fully equipped with all tools and equipment. Let alone, they are deploying advanced software tools such as construction scheduling software. The tool provides real-time project management that can be accessed anytime or anywhere. Efficient scheduling of tasks, crew and even tools are very much achieved through the application of this.
- Begin the Installation Process
During installation, creating a vacuum in the existing lines is involved during the process. This is necessary in order to prevent acid from existing and building up during the installation process. Right after, leak testing and welding newer copper will be done. Furthermore, any refrigerant lines must be utterly replaced as much as possible. There shouldn’t be exceptions when it comes to this.
In this particular stage of installation, the entire crew will directly come to the place of the clients fully prepared and fully-equipped. Contractors often implement construction crew management in order to effectively supervise the HVAC subcontractors. Installing this type of system requires technical skills, focus and teamwork. This strategy is proven to be useful for the whole team.
Additionally, these questions are better asked ahead of time: During the installation, will new refrigerant lines be used? Will you do a leak testing using a digitally calibrated gauge?
- Checking the Performance of the Newly Installed System
This is where the HVAC installers will conduct final testing in order to ensure and to be certain that the new system is functioning properly. Together with the entire team, they are going to recalibrate the thermostat and precisely measure the consistency of the indoor temperature and airflow. Checking the refrigerant lines and ductwork will also come next. Any damages found in any of these areas will be immediately repaired for much better system performance.
Furthermore, the refrigerant is really an important thing for the new system. Having and installing it is an important step. Adding refrigerant is what makes the vacuum break. HVAC experts follow the ideal applied pressure (typically 25 PSI). Adding it with the right pressure ensures no outside air will directly enter the system. It is important to take note of how refrigerant and system air flow must be crucially set to match the specifications of the manufacturer.
The process of checking is undoubtedly easier if HVAC experts will use the best construction management software like Pro Crew Schedule. Using the software itself monitoring all associated resources, any files, and documents are ultimately stress-free. All can be listed, modified, updated, and access everywhere at any time. This cloud-based platform is very advantageous in so many practical ways not just for project management but in every project’s phase.
- Test Performance
The primary key of all is to checking and double-checking the current system performance. The HVAC technicians must test the newly installed AC system in a thorough manner. Monitoring the functionality of the system is what they are doing. Any installation will never be considered complete not until when the system is fully activated and at the same time the homeowner/client is present. Additionally, HVAC installers usually outline the work they have performed and definitely take the time to review everything together with their client. It is the responsibility of the HVAC professionals to provide in-depth information and other important details with regards to the existing system’s full operations.
The testing procedure will be conducted by the whole team who are the ones responsible for the installment. Subcontractor scheduling software has been proven to be a useful software tool. Contractors can schedule the tasks and assigned them respectively to the involved subs. During the testing procedure, the contractor can easily monitor the ones who execute and finish the given tasks and the members who haven’t done anything. This crew schedule software makes supervision and monitoring extra efficiently.
Criteria for a Quality HVAC system
The very goal for any HVAC system that is installed is to provide appropriate airflow, cooling, and heating to every room. This blog is again setting out the primary criteria that basically depicts what truly a quality system is all about. This criteria is necessary to be met in order to obtain the very goal. With this information, HVAC professionals will be helped in determining the factors that need to be considered for them to provide a high-quality and high-performing HVAC system.
Thus, an HVAC system must:
- Be properly sized in order to provide precisely correct airflow
- Be installed alongside with a return system sized in order to provide the right return airflow
- Have sealed supply ductwork that will be going to provide proper airflow
- Be installed in order for the static air pressure to be dropped across the very handler and within the design specifications to achieve the required capacity in meeting the calculated loads
- Have the balanced air flows in between the supply and return systems. This is a must-do in order to maintain neutral pressure
- Be appropriately charged with refrigerants
- Make sure to minimize the duct air temperature between the room registers and the air handler. Likewise, between return air handler and registers
- Have the appropriate burner operation and appropriate draft
- Appropriately charge the system and verifying the charge with either sub cooling or superheat method
- Installations for ducts and equipment according to the standard design specifications
Key Takeaways
Several homeowners do not give any proper thought of how impactful a high-performing HVAC system is in terms of home convenience and comfort. Having a high-quality HVAC system contributes to the quality of the house as well. Today, investing in this necessity has become essential. A high-performing HVAC system is cost-effective to operate, stands up when it comes to weather threats, and once again, definitely provides convenience.
