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Last Revised: 11/15/24
Replacing your HVAC system can be a big investment, and many homeowners, understandably, want to get it done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Without the right guidance, you might find yourself dealing with frustrating delays or unexpected costs.
The timeline for an AC or heating system replacement involves more than just the installation itself – it also includes researching systems, contacting a reputable HVAC company (or a few), exploring options, scheduling, and finally the installation itself.
In emergencies, or for those who already know exactly what system they want, an HVAC replacement can be done as quickly as the next day. However, there are benefits of a structured approach to the process.
With decades of experience, the team of seasoned HVAC professionals at Mattioni are here to guide you through your replacement process, to ensure it’s smooth and efficient.
In this article, we’ll walk you through each step: research, choosing your system, and the installation itself, with a breakdown of timelines for each stage. We’ll give you realistic expectations of how long each should take, and after reading this, you’ll know how long the whole HVAC replacement process takes.
Here’s what to expect from start to finish:
1. Researching Your AC and Heating System Options (1-2 Days up to 1-2 Weeks)
The first step in replacing your HVAC system is independent research. With advancements in energy efficiency and smart thermostat compatibility, there’s a wider range of heating and cooling options now than ever before.
These options include traditional systems like central AC, furnaces, and boilers, but also entail modern high-efficiency models like heat pumps and ductless mini splits.
This step can be done within a day or two, but some homeowners may want to take more time to gain a thorough understanding of what’s available and to prioritize their preferences. This shouldn’t take longer than a couple of weeks to feel confident in your decision.
Here are some buyer’s guides that cover everything you’ll need to know when investing in a new system:
It’s also possible to skip this step and consult with an HVAC professional right away. They can help you understand your options without pressure to make any decisions that day.
When looking around online, be sure to make the following considerations:
- Your Home’s Needs: A large house will require greater heating and cooling capacity (BTUs or tonnage, respectively), than a smaller one. If you live in a region with harsh winters or extreme summers, then you’ll want to factor that into your decision-making process by looking at reliable, powerful, and efficient systems.
- Energy Efficiency: Many people opt for energy-efficient models to reduce their utility bills and minimize their home’s carbon footprint. Check for ENERGY STAR and SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings to find a model that can slash your energy bills.
2. Contacting HVAC Companies for Consultations to Explore and Finalize Your System Choice (Same Day – 3 Days)
Some homeowners may want to wait for this step until they have a strong understanding of their options from their independent research, while others may want to be guided by a professional right away.
A professional HVAC company will be able to help you narrow down your decision and finalize your system choice. Most HVAC contractors will arrange an initial in-home consultation and home evaluation within a day or two of your call.
Either way, consulting with an HVAC professional will allow you to discuss options, learn the latest heating and cooling models, and the unique benefits of each. It’s often wise to contact several companies, to further your understanding of HVAC systems and to compare pricing quotes.
An in-home consultation itself should take no more than 1-2 hours from start to finish, during which your professional should be able to give you everything you need to make an educated decision for your home.
3. Reviewing Quotes and Choosing an HVAC Company (Same Day – 3 Days)
You’ve done all your homework, met with a professional, and received some pricing estimates. The next step is to review the estimate and make a decision with your spouse and any other household decision makers.
You shouldn’t feel rushed to decide, but it also shouldn’t take more than a few days to choose one of your quotes.
Don’t overlook the professionalism of each company you’ve met with. If a contractor gave you a lower offer, but was unprofessional, then it could be a sign that their craftsmanship is low quality. When it comes to heating and AC systems, the quality of installation can significantly help or hurt its performance, efficiency, and expected lifespan.
It doesn’t hurt to check out each company’s online reputation and reviews to see what previous customers are saying about them.
4. Scheduling the Installation Date (1-3 Days)
Once you’ve chosen your system and an HVAC company to install it, the next step is to schedule the installation.
This can oftentimes be done within a day but could also take a couple days for an installation team to be available. Your wait time when scheduling your HVAC installation will be directly tied to current seasonal demands.
In other words, during the height of summer or winter (peak season), HVAC technicians are in higher demand. So, you might have to wait an extra day or two before a qualified installation professional is available.
But during spring and fall (off-season), you’ll probably be able to have your new HVAC system installed the next day, as demand is at its yearly low.
In an ideal situation, you’ll be able to plan your installation in advance to be done during spring or fall to avoid unexpected wait times and to capitalize on any off-season discounts.
5. Installation Day (4-8 Hours)
Most heating and cooling system installations take between four and eight hours, depending on things like:
- Accessibility of the existing unit
- Additional tasks like ductwork repairs or electrical modifications
- Whether any components need to be customized or specially ordered
During the installation, your technicians will remove your old system, set up the new unit, test its performance, and ensure all settings are optimized for efficiency. If everything goes smoothly, a straight-forward furnace or AC installation can be completed in about half a day. Full systems, both heating and AC units, usually take a full day.
Some boiler installations, or very complicated jobs in large homes, can take more than one day; however, these situations are rare.
Total Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Replace an HVAC System?
When all steps are accounted for, the complete timeline to replace an HVAC system can range from as little as two days (in streamlined cases) to about two weeks in more complex or busy scenarios.
Tips to Speed Up the Process
If you need an HVAC system replacement urgently, here are some ways to reduce wait times:
- Do your research ahead of time: Knowing some of your system preferences before you contact a contractor can speed up the decision-making process.
- Search for Availability Across HVAC Companies: Some HVAC companies may not have an available technician for a few days, while another may be ready to install your system the next day. If one company is asking you to wait a few days, it’s ok to talk to another one who can potentially help you quicker
- Choose off-season installations: It may be too late for some homeowners (if it’s the middle of summer or winter and you need a new system installed), but others can plan ahead and set a date for spring or fall, when the chances of an unexpected delay is much lower.
HVAC Replacement: One Step at a Time
Replacing your home’s heating or air conditioning system shouldn’t always be an overnight process, but if you know what you’re looking for and HVAC contractors have free availability, it can be.
For most, understanding the timeline and being diligent in each step will help make the experience smoother and ensure that you choose the right system with the right installation company.
From researching the system, to checking for online reviews of HVAC companies, expect to invest some time in the process. This will help you feel confident in your decision and secure your home’s comfort at the best value.
Use our Learning Center to find information that can help, no matter what step of the process you’re in.
Buyer’s Guides
By working with a trusted HVAC service provider, you’ll soon enjoy the comfort of a new, efficient system that meets your home’s needs.
If you’re ready to reach out, our friendly team of HVAC professionals can be reached at (610) 400-8510, or you can book a free consultation directly online.
