A furnace can last 15 to 20 years, but installing one takes less than a day (for a properly experienced and equipped professional). It’s important to schedule furnace installation before winter. Despite it being a relatively quick process, this will ensure you’re not without heat on a frigid day. You’ll also have your new furnace to keep you warm and cozy the entire season.
A Closer Look at Furnace Installation Time
Installing a furnace takes four to 10 hours on average. However, the actual timeframe depends on several factors. A basic furnace takes less time to install than a larger, more complex system, while the more experienced a technician is, the more quickly they can install a furnace with high-quality results.
But correctly installing a furnace is more important than how long it takes. Correct installation will save you the time and money of requiring more maintenance and repairs later.
Factors Affecting Furnace Installation Time
Every furnace installation project is different. Your HVAC contractor should be able to give you an estimate on the project timeframe, which can account for the following variables:
- Size of Your Home: The larger your home, the more heating capacity it will need. Larger furnaces take longer to install and are more expensive upfront. Smaller units take less time to install and are less expensive, but will work harder when not big enough for a space. Therefore, they’ll wear out faster, but too large a furnace will be less efficient due to more frequent cycling.
- Age of Your Home: If you have an older home, various modifications may be required. Installing a larger furnace or different type of unit often involves structural modifications. Reconfiguring the layout of rooms takes time and may require moving electrical lines and plumbing. A contractor may also need to replace or install gas lines, ventilation components, or ductwork connections or provide an electrical panel upgrade.
- Condition of Your Home: A qualified technician will thoroughly evaluate your home before selecting a properly sized furnace. Aside from factors such as a structure’s orientation and quality of insulation, they’ll also check for ductwork leaks and air pressure issues in the system. If your home is poorly insulated or ventilated, additional work will be needed to ensure your new furnace is reliable and efficient.
- Type of Furnace: A contractor will perform a load calculation, which requires taking the time to assess your home’s floor plan, orientation, and number and type of windows and doors. Its square footage and number of occupants are also considered. The larger the home and the more people living there, the more heating power you’ll need.
Whether you install an electric or gas furnace, different requirements must be considered. Installation will take longer if you’re converting from one type to another. This may also include if you’re installing a higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) furnace.
- Removing the Old Furnace: A technician must first remove your old furnace, which can take two to four hours. Removal can take longer, depending on the type of furnace. Accessibility and the condition of ductwork and other components also affect how long this step takes.
- Ductwork Modifications: Altering or replacing ductwork is not a simple process. It can require opening walls and ceilings throughout your home, especially if the entire system is old or in disrepair. However, this is the only way to ensure your new heating unit will be efficient and provide adequate heating to every room.
- The HVAC Company’s Experience: Before hiring any contractor, evaluate their experience with furnace installation. An experienced technician can get the job done faster. They are properly equipped and can anticipate any issues in advance, and therefore take the proper steps to avoid delays. Otherwise, more time may be spent acquiring new equipment and parts or making avoidable repairs.
How to Decrease Furnace Installation Time
Proper planning can speed up the process. The more information you have, the easier it is to choose the right furnace and work with your HVAC installer. A technician should provide a timeline estimate during the initial walk-through. Meanwhile, progress updates can inform you if the job will be completed on time and when there are any changes to the timeline. Also, testing your furnace may take an hour or two, but it ensures the unit, thermostat, and safety features are working correctly.
Call Over the Moon for Furnace Installation
Over the Moon provides professional heating installation services in Brookfield, WI, and surrounding areas. We are committed to ensuring your furnace is properly installed and is the right type and size for your home. In addition, our team specializes in furnace repair and tune-ups and provides ductwork, indoor air quality, and electrical services. To schedule furnace installation or receive an in-home evaluation with a price/timeline estimate, contact us online or call (262) 510-0956.