What Really Happens During an HVAC Replacement? Inside the Process Step-by-Step
Thinking about replacing your HVAC system but not sure what the process actually involves? You’re not alone. Most Central Texas homeowners know when their old AC finally gives up the ghost, but the actual replacement process can feel like a mystery. Let’s pull back the curtain and show you exactly what happens when Accu-Temp replaces your HVAC system – every step, every detail, and why each one matters for your comfort and safety.
Complete Equipment Replacement and System Modifications
The heart of any HVAC replacement starts with removing your old system and installing brand-new equipment. But here’s what most people don’t realize – it’s not just a simple swap. Every home is different, and newer equipment often requires modifications to work seamlessly with your existing setup.
Replacing Your Entire HVAC System
We start by completely removing your old indoor and outdoor units. This isn’t just about disconnecting and hauling away – we carefully disconnect all electrical connections, refrigerant lines, and ductwork before safely removing the equipment. The new system that goes in its place will be properly sized for your home’s specific cooling and heating needs, not just a one-size-fits-all approach.
Modifying Return and Supply Plenums
Here’s where the technical expertise really shows. Your return and supply plenums (the boxes that connect your equipment to your ductwork) often need modifications when new equipment is installed. Why? Because newer, more efficient units might have different dimensions or connection points than your old system. We carefully modify these plenums to ensure a seamless transition and optimal airflow – no gaps, no inefficiencies, just smooth operation.
Attic Infrastructure Updates
If your equipment lives in your attic (which is common in Central Texas), we replace the emergency drain pan and foam blocks that support your equipment. This might seem minor, but these components are crucial. The drain pan catches any condensation overflow, protecting your home from water damage, while properly installed foam blocks ensure your equipment sits level and stable, reducing vibration and extending equipment life.
Safety and Code Compliance Upgrades
One of the biggest advantages of working with a professional HVAC company is ensuring everything meets current safety codes. Building codes evolve for good reasons – they keep you and your family safe.
Drainage and Gas Piping Code Updates
We make any necessary code upgrades to your drainage and gas piping systems. This might involve updating pipe materials, improving venting, or adjusting pipe routing to meet current safety standards. These aren’t just bureaucratic requirements – they’re genuine safety improvements that protect your home and family.
Condensate Overflow Protection
Every system gets appropriate condensate overflow switches installed – one for vertical equipment, two for horizontal installations. These switches are like insurance policies for your home. If your primary drain line ever gets clogged, these switches shut down your system before water can overflow and damage your property. It’s a small addition that prevents potentially thousands of dollars in water damage.
Filter Base Installation
For vertical equipment that lacks a filter return grill, we add a filter base directly to the unit. This ensures your system always has proper filtration, protecting both your equipment and your indoor air quality. Clean filters mean better efficiency, longer equipment life, and healthier air for your family.
Professional Connection and Sealing Work
The difference between a professional installation and a quick job often comes down to the connections and sealing work – the parts you can’t see but definitely feel in your comfort and energy bills.
Metal Tape and Mastic Sealing
We seal all connections with metal tape and mastic – not just duct tape, but professional-grade sealing materials. This prevents conditioned air from escaping into unconditioned spaces like your attic. Every connection point gets proper attention because even small leaks can significantly impact your system’s efficiency and your comfort.
Electrical Disconnect Replacement
Your condenser’s electrical disconnect gets replaced if required. This safety switch allows you to cut power to your outdoor unit for maintenance or emergencies. We ensure it’s properly rated for your new equipment and installed according to electrical codes.
Thermostat Upgrade
Every installation includes a basic programmable Honeywell thermostat replacement. Even if your old thermostat still works, newer thermostats communicate better with modern equipment and offer better temperature control and energy savings. We’ll program it for you and show you how to use all its features. If you prefer your existing thermostat and it’s compatible with the new system, we will make sure it’s set up properly.
Outdoor Unit Installation and Leveling
Your outdoor condenser needs a solid, level foundation to operate properly and last its full lifespan.
Condenser Pad Replacement or Leveling
We either replace or level your existing condenser pad. A level pad prevents refrigerant from pooling where it shouldn’t and reduces vibration that can damage components over time. If your existing pad is cracked, uneven, or the wrong size, we’ll install a new composite pad that won’t sink or settle over time.
Critical Testing and Quality Assurance
This is where the technical expertise really matters. Proper testing ensures your system works efficiently and safely from day one.
Leak Testing with Compressed Nitrogen
We test all welded connections for leakage using compressed nitrogen. This pressurized test reveals any tiny leaks in the refrigerant lines that could cause problems down the road. Catching these now prevents refrigerant loss, poor cooling performance, and expensive service calls later.
Vacuum Removal Process
Before adding refrigerant, we pull a vacuum on all refrigerant lines to remove any air or moisture. This step is absolutely critical – any air or moisture left in the system can cause ice formation, reduced efficiency, or even compressor failure. We use professional vacuum pumps and take the time to do this right.
Refrigerant Management
Finally, we release the refrigerant and add additional refrigerant if necessary at no extra cost to you. Your system gets exactly the right amount of refrigerant for optimal performance – not too little (which hurts efficiency) and not too much (which can damage the compressor).
Warranty Protection and Ongoing Service
Your investment doesn’t end with installation – it’s protected with comprehensive warranty coverage.
One-Year Labor Warranty with Maintenance
Every replacement comes with a full one-year labor warranty, and here’s the bonus – this includes spring and fall maintenance checks for the first year. These maintenance visits help ensure your new system stays in peak condition and catches any minor issues before they become major problems.
Extended Equipment Protection
Your new equipment comes with a 5-year base manufacturer’s part warranty, and here’s something special – most manufacturers let you extend this for an additional 5 years when you register the model and serial information from your invoice. That’s up to 10 years of equipment protection, giving you serious peace of mind. This coverage is generally available for systems installed in residential single-family homes, occupied by the homeowner.
The Accu-Temp Difference
At Accu-Temp Air Conditioning & Heating, we believe in doing things right the first time. Our team brings years of Central Texas experience to every installation, understanding the unique challenges of our climate and local building requirements. We don’t cut corners or rush through jobs – every step gets the attention it deserves because your comfort and safety depend on it.
When you choose us for your HVAC replacement, you’re getting more than just new equipment. You’re getting a complete system upgrade performed by professionals who stand behind their work with comprehensive warranties and ongoing service. We’re not just installing a unit – we’re ensuring your family stays comfortable year-round while keeping your energy bills reasonable and your home safe.
Ready to replace that old, inefficient system? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and see why Central Texas homeowners trust Accu-Temp for their HVAC replacement needs. Your comfort is our priority, and we’re here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.