Roughly 90 percent of all U.S. households have some type of air conditioning installed. In many states, air conditioning is practically a necessity for survival. Without it, residents would have to deal with temperatures of up to 100 degrees.
As such, you may wonder how long you’ll have to go without cool air while you wait for your HVAC installer to finish their job. You don’t want to sit in a boiling hot home for too long. It’s also important to know the new air conditioning unit timeline so you know what to expect.
Here’s how long the AC installation process takes and what to expect.
AC Installation Process
It’s important to understand what goes into the process so you can best understand the AC installation duration.
For example, it all begins with an initial consultation where the installers take a look at your home and where the unit would go. You then select the type of unit you want, and they prep the home for installation. Then comes the part where they install and turn it on for the first time.
Initial Consultation and Assessment
The initial consultation may take a few hours. This involves evaluating your current system, the home’s cooling needs, and your options. They’ll also figure out the proper size of your new unit.
Selecting Your Unit
The next step involves selecting your air conditioning unit. This part takes as long as you need, as you’ll want to look at the different models, what they cost, and what features they come with. The HVAC company will then have to order it, which could take as little as a few days to as much as a couple of weeks.
Installation
The actual installation of your unit should only take a day. An installer may take anywhere from four to eight hours, depending on the complexity of the job. If you didn’t have a unit beforehand, then there will be complex electrical work required.
New Air Conditioning Unit Timeline Factors
Several factors can influence the HVAC installation time.
A more complex installation involving new ductwork will always take longer. It’ll also cost more and require more materials.
Certain AC units are easier to install than others, such as a ductless mini-split. You’ll also have a quicker installation if you’re upgrading your unit rather than replacing it with a completely different kind.
If you’re installing the unit in a difficult-to-reach area, this could slow down the process. Adverse weather conditions will also push back the timeline.
Talk to Your HVAC Installer
Your HVAC installer should always be able to provide a timeline before they even begin. This is important for homeowners to know, as you’ll want to arrange for the installation to happen on a cooler day.
Sewell Electric & HVAC sells and serves all major brands so you can get the AC system you want. We also provide an HVAC service time estimate with every visit, so you won’t be left waiting for too long. Contact us today to learn more and set up a consultation.
