Life experience has taught me that the key to success in any endeavor is to break it down into manageable chunks. That’s what separates the intelligent from the wise.
So, let’s look at the intelligent technique to install a new or used furnace. I have laid down the procedure in 13 simple steps. Can you expect to get all of my knowledge from this article? In a word, no. Throughout my career, I have installed thousands of furnaces. However, you will grasp the procedure.
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The first stage is to compile a list of tools. Starting work on a furnace only to realize you’re missing crucial tools is a significant source of frustration. Most of you probably already have the rudimentary equipment required. Tools such as screwdrivers, drills, hammers, etc. To ensure you have everything you need before beginning the project, I will assist you in compiling a list.
The second step is to do a home evaluation. You should learn about the construction and insulation of your house. What kind of windows and doors do you have, modern or old? Are there any air leaks from your dryer, windows, or other openings? How about a basement, or are you living on a concrete slab? Knowing this will help you put in the right tools at home.
Third, inspect the heating and cooling ducts. Taking this first step is crucial. Why? You could be surprised by the reply. Some HVAC technicians may be caught off guard by this. Equipment sizing is crucial. Not even close. Not! Why? Perhaps you’re wondering, “Doesn’t the rule ‘the bigger, the better’ apply here?” No. What I meant to say was, “Hell, no!”
I’ll illustrate this with a quick example. A home with an oversized air conditioner would only need to operate for a few minutes before reaching the set temperature on the thermostat. Great! The more oversized air conditioner only had to operate for a fraction of the time to reduce the temperature, significantly reducing my utility bills. I don’t see the issue. While you successfully rapidly reduced indoor temperatures, you failed to reduce humidity levels significantly. Air conditioners remove more moisture from the air as they operate longer. The humidity in the air is to blame for your discomfort on sweltering days. The goal is to provide you with ease and convenience. Quickly reducing the temperature within the house will have the opposite impact intended. A furnace works on the same basis. Appropriate sizing is required. Free heating and cooling calculators can be found all over the Internet. You can easily find a heating and cooling load calculator online. Typically, the directions are included. To that end, I have included one in “The Ultimate Furnace Installation Guide” that I authored. That free online heat/load calculator was a godsend.
4. List of materials needed. Ductwork. You should maintain a running list of everything you need to buy in the store. Perhaps the refund has to be increased in size. The new furnace will require the existing ductwork to be connected. The furnace’s installation manual will provide all the information you need to get started. This is the third step.
Fifth, compile an electrical materials list. In Step 3, you’ll evaluate your home to determine your updated electrical requirements. Create a thorough inventory. All modern heating systems require a ground wire, so keep that in mind. A ground wire must be added to the existing power source if one is not already present.
Supplies for the gas line are listed in Step 6. And that’s step 3’s other to-do. Hopefully, you can see the benefits of this methodological approach. You’ll save time in the long run if you take the time to make these lists before beginning the installation. If you have everything you need and a game plan in place, you won’t have to run around to 15 different stores on the third day of the installation when it’s ten degrees outside.
Seventh, compile a list of miscellaneous materials. The type of heating system you now have or plan to acquire will determine this. For instance, a furnace with an efficiency of 80% will need a different flue pipe than one with an efficiency of 90%.
The eighth step is to locate potential regional partners. You may be facing your greatest challenge here. The past limited you to the services of nearby businesses. At least now there’s the internet. Put it to good use. If you type “furnace goodman” into Google, you’ll get surprisingly many results. Inquire about the warranty terms whenever possible. It’s worth noting that even if you end up paying a professional to install your new furnace, you’ll still save a ton of money by purchasing it yourself.
Step 9: Disconnect the electricity and gasoline to your current equipment. I agree; however, when people start tearing things apart, they often skip over this critical procedure. It serves as a gentle nudge.
Tenth, install fasteners to hold the ductwork in place. Why? The only thing worse than starting to remove a furnace is having the ducting collapse at your feet. This extends your workweek by one more day and expands your lexicon with several new 4-letter words. Tenth Step: Use cleats and screws to fasten down the existing ducting.
Eleventh, dispose of the obsolete machinery. You may now remove the old equipment after disconnecting the furnace’s power supply and securing the ducting. Put it somewhere out of the way once you’ve taken it out.
The final step is reassembling everything. There are six subsections in this section.
Getting the oven in order. If you perform this correctly, you can reduce the amount of labor and ductwork required.
Putting up the new furnace by connecting the Return and Boot
Connecting the ducting from the old furnace (the plenum) to the new one. The term for this is “Transition.”
Putting the gas line back together and checking for leaks
Flue pipes being operated to expel used fuel gases
The thermostat’s high-voltage power connection was re-established.
Step 13. Turn on all of your gadgets. The manufacturer’s instructions often detail how to turn on and test a new furnace. Pay close attention to what they tell you to do.
So there you go. Twenty years of knowledge condensed into 13 simple actions. I hope this is helpful if you are considering putting in your furnace.
Gatto Publishing 2008 Copyright
Even though this page is not exhaustive, you can use this information to determine whether or not you are up for such a challenge. With this tutorial and some basic handyman abilities, I think anyone can install their heater. Furnace Installation [http://furnacebook.com/] is an all-inclusive manual explaining how to set up a furnace properly. The installation time can be reduced by a few days with the help of this guide, which features all of my tips and tricks (including contractor tactics).
Free guides on soldering copper piping and fixing a hydronic hot water system are available at [http://furnacebook.com/]The Ultimate Furnace Installation Guide. Plus, there’s a community forum where you can ask questions and get answers from HVAC professionals without spending a dime.
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