As warm weather makes its debut, furnace installation is likely to be put on the back burner for many homeowners. But just because the weather is warm, do not forget about the importance of heat — particularly if you are switching from a boiler to a furnace.

Installing a new furnace in the spring rather than waiting for the cold, damp winter months has many benefits. As an added bonus, you will enjoy peace of mind come autumn knowing that your pending winter heating solution is reliable, high quality and primed to keep you cozy. Following are a few reasons to choose a spring furnace installation.

1. You could get it on sale.

Most people shop for new furnaces and boilers during the autumn and winter, so shopping during the offseason may save you money. Check your local retailers for sale items, clearance furnaces and special deals. Make the most of holiday specials, such as Memorial Day sales and Fourth of July events to save even more.

2. You can upgrade your A/C at the same time.

If you previously used a boiler for heat but want to install A/C and a furnace, you’re in luck. A furnace and A/C can share ductwork and vents, but of course a boiler and an A/C unit cannot (a boiler relies radiant heating, not ducts). If you are already upgrading your home with forced air for cooling, it makes sense to upgrade to forced heat, too.

3. You won’t be rushed.

It is easy to look over sales and rush to make a purchase when winter is coming and you’re chilly at night. Spring is also the season when many homeowners spring for boiler/furnace maintenance. If you already know you want to upgrade and replace your heating source, skip the maintenance (this time around) and get your new system installed. It’s spring cleaning on a grander scale.

4. Allergies are lurking.

A furnace that’s about to kick the bucket can stir up allergies that mimic hay fever. If red, itchy, watery eyes, a sore throat and an ill feeling have become the norm in your home, it might be due to allergens, thanks to a subpar furnace. These appliances do not last forever, and upgrading yours can lead to a big allergy relief.

5. You’re not out of the woods yet.

There is no guarantee that nothing but warm days are ahead. Spring can get chilly in some parts of the country. Do not suffer through a cool spring just because you want to wait until next winter for a new furnace. Upgrade today and segue comfortably into the warmer months.

Homeowners who need a little help finding the perfect furnace for them can call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning for all their installation and maintenance needs.

When air conditioning installation goes wrong, who’s to blame? Of course it’s the contractor, who’s in charge of providing a certain level of service (and leaving the homeowners with a functional A/C system), but it’s also the responsibility of the homeowners to ensure they hire a reputable air conditioning installation and repair company.

All aspects of an HVAC system are an investment, and a shoddy installation can ruin a brand-new system before you even get to enjoy it. Sometimes the signs of a bad installation are obvious (like a strong smell, loud noise or simply a system that doesn’t work). Other times homeowners don’t realized something’s awry until a reputable, honest installer tells them so during a routine call.

Since so many air conditioner makes and models are on the market, an installation can easily go off course. If the installer doesn’t use a supply duct that’s the right size and fit, it can cause airflow problems and waste energy. Many A/C models today use a ducted system, which means the tech needs to match the supply duct to the rest of the system. Here are a few more ways air conditioning installation can go in the wrong direction:

• Subpar check valves: Check valves, even new, can get wonky if they’re put on used cases in the wrong place. It can make hot gas stick around post-defrost, which means the system slows down. In some cases, it can take hours after a defrost just to get enough liquid to fill up the compressors correctly. This will make your A/C work overtime unnecessarily.
• Suction lines gone wild: Various situations can cause leaks, and one of them is a suction line split. This most often happens when the piping is cheap (it should be able to withstand high demands). Signs that the suction line might be the problem include low airflow in the heat pump and previous issues with valve wiring.
• Filter door blockage: This is one of the easiest situations to avoid, and unfortunately one of the most common. If the filter area/doors/vents aren’t allowed to “breathe,” they can’t do their job. That’s why you should never block A/C vents with furniture, drapes and the like. Just like you, your air conditioner could use some fresh air.
• No filter changes: All HVAC systems have a filter that needs replacing on a regular basis. During installation, your technician should show you where filters are and recommend how often they’re changed. A new system can go kaput in just a few months if filter swaps aren’t done.

A quality air conditioning installation technician should help educate homeowners if they’re open to it. After all, this is a complex and expensive system.

Call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an air conditioning installation, repair or inspection and keep your cool this summer.

The best furnace installation tip is also the easiest: Don’t attempt this yourself. Only a licensed furnace installation contractor has the knowledge, skills, tools and ability to protect your warranty. Depending on the make and model of your furnace, you may be required to have a professional install it in order to ensure your warranty is upheld. However, that’s just one small piece of the puzzle. Installing a furnace can be dangerous work — both during the actual installation process and afterward. It poses a fire risk, and if not properly installed, can needlessly sap energy. Still, a number of DIY-ers think they can save a bundle by installing this costly appliance themselves.

Think you have what it takes for a furnace installation? Take a look at some of these tips from furnace experts, and you might quickly change your mind. There’s a reason it takes years of experience, special certifications and a natural talent in order to offer superior furnace installation. Trying to install a furnace yourself is like trying to give yourself a haircut. Even if you do a pretty good job, an expert could do so much better.

1. Cut the right-sized opening for the return air duct connection: If that sounds like Greek to you, you’re not alone. What’s the right size? How can you cut it and make it look professional? How do you even know which side of the furnace the air duct should be connected to? Installing a furnace isn’t a simple matter of plugging it in — it requires serious prep work and knowing what you’re doing, where and why.

2. Add support blocks: Many furnaces are housed in basements, and if this is the case with yours, the appliance needs to be lifted on blocks at least four inches above ground level. This protects it from floods, becoming a home for pests and potentially damaging your basement floor. If it’s not housed in the basement, it needs special support pads. If it’s in the attic, a second drain pan is in order. Suddenly, plopping it down wherever it looks good is no longer an option.

3. Pick the right exit for the condensate drain: Not only do you need to figure out the best side for the return air duct connection, you also need to pick a side for the condensate drain exit. Ideally, the furnace should be placed on a slight slope that favors this exit. Once the furnace is secure and you begin connecting the systems — both the duct and condensate drain — you’ll need to secure these areas with a special sealant or metal foil tape. A lot of DIY-ers use duct tape — a dangerous rookie mistake.

Installing a furnace is challenging at best for most homeowners. Give the pros at Sandy Heating and Air Conditioning a call for expert installation and peace of mind.