Investing in a new furnace is one of the best ways to ensure a warm, safe, and energy-efficient home. But the furnace installation process is complex, and even small mistakes can lead to poor performance, higher bills, and potential safety hazards. Getting it done right from the start makes all the difference.
That’s where Hill-Air Heating & Air Conditioning comes in. With decades of experience and a commitment to quality, we handle every step to ensure your furnace is installed safely and performs flawlessly. In this blog, we’ll go over some common furnace installation mistakes and how to avoid them with the help of a trusted professional.
Mistake 1: Choosing the Wrong Size Furnace
Selecting the right size furnace is essential for efficient heating. A common mistake many homeowners make is choosing a furnace that’s either too big or too small for their space. You might think bigger is better, but that’s not the case with furnaces. An oversized furnace will cycle on and off too often (called short cycling), which leads to wasted energy, higher utility bills, and more wear and tear on the unit. A furnace that is too large, on the other hand, will work overtime trying to keep up with demand, leading to a lack of warmth in your home and an increase in energy bills as it tries to work harder than it should.
A properly sized furnace, whether it’s an electric furnace, natural gas furnace, or oil furnace, is crucial for efficient and consistent heating. Hill-Air’s experienced furnace installers can help you select the right size furnace based on a heat load calculation, which takes into account your home’s square footage, insulation, and other factors. With the right size heating unit, you’ll enjoy better energy efficiency and longer-lasting comfort.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the Condition of Existing Ductwork
Your furnace is just one part of your HVAC system. The ductwork carries the warm air generated by your furnace throughout your home. Many people overlook the condition of their existing ductwork during a furnace replacement, but this is a mistake that can lead to poor performance and high energy bills. If your ductwork is old, leaky, or poorly designed, it will affect your furnace’s ability to heat your home effectively.
Hill-Air understands that for the furnace to work at its best, the ductwork must be in good condition too. Our team inspects the ducts of your old furnace to check for any damage, leaks, or design flaws. If your ductwork needs updates or repairs, we’ll take care of it to ensure that warm air flows smoothly through your home.
Mistake 3: Attempting DIY Furnace Installation
It can be tempting to try DIY furnace installation to save on furnace installation costs, but installing a new furnace should always be done by experienced HVAC installers. The installation process involves connecting gas lines and electrical wiring and integrating the furnace with your HVAC system. Even a small mistake can result in gas leaks, electrical hazards, or carbon monoxide exposure.
Attempting to install your own furnace can also void the manufacturer’s warranty on your furnace unit. Manufacturers typically require that their products be installed by a licensed HVAC technician who follows proper safety protocols and local codes. If you do the furnace install yourself and something goes wrong, you may be responsible for the repair costs because the warranty won’t cover damages resulting from an improper installation.
Hill-Air’s HVAC technicians are trained professionals with years of experience in installing all types of furnaces, from natural gas furnaces to electric furnaces and oil furnaces. By hiring a professional, you not only ensure a safe, proper installation but also keep your manufacturer’s warranty intact. Plus, Hill-Air’s work is backed by additional warranties and guarantees so you can have peace of mind knowing your furnace is installed right the first time.
Mistake 4: Not Installing Adequate Ventilation for Gas and Oil Furnaces
Proper ventilation is crucial for gas furnaces and oil furnaces. Without adequate ventilation, carbon monoxide and other gasses produced by your furnace can accumulate in your home, which can be dangerous for your family’s health.
Hill-Air’s technicians take extra care to ensure proper ventilation during a gas furnace installation, setting up your furnace and ventilation system to minimize any risk of carbon monoxide buildup. With our excellent attention to detail, you can rest easy knowing your new furnace is installed with your family’s safety as the top priority.
Mistake 5: Skipping the Thermostat Upgrade
A new furnace is only as effective as the thermostat that controls it. Yet, many homeowners stick with an outdated thermostat instead of upgrading to one that matches their new furnace’s capabilities. Older thermostats on an existing furnace may not allow you to take full advantage of modern furnace features, like variable-speed fans or energy-saving settings. This can lead to inefficiency, higher energy bills, and a lack of control over your home’s comfort.
When you have a new furnace installed, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. Hill-Air can help you select a thermostat that pairs perfectly with your furnace and meets your lifestyle needs.
Mistake 6: Not Checking Fuel and Power Connections
Every HVAC installation, including an electric furnace installation, requires safe, secure connections to fuel sources and power. Whether it’s a gas line, oil line, or electrical wiring, a mistake in setting up these connections can cause malfunctions or even serious safety hazards. Loose connections can lead to fuel leaks, sparks, or short circuits, which are dangerous for your home and family.
Hill-Air’s HVAC technicians are meticulous about checking every connection during the installation process. For gas furnaces, we ensure gas lines are securely connected to the gas supply, free from leaks, and tested for safety. For electric furnaces, our team carefully handles all wiring to meet local electrical codes and prevent issues down the road.
Hill-Air is the Furnace Installer You Can Trust for Your Furnace Replacement in West Chester
Hill-Air has been the trusted furnace installation team for decades, serving West Chester, Fairfield, Springboro, and the entire Cincinnati Tri-State area with highly rated heating and air conditioning services. Homeowners know they can count on our HVAC contractors for reliable, expert care.
As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and a multi-year winner of the Carrier President’s Award, we’re proud to meet the highest standards in the industry. Our team’s dedication to excellence ensures that you’re getting the best HVAC solutions available.
We offer a full range of heating services, including furnace repair and furnace maintenance. And we don’t just handle heating—count on our HVAC company to keep your air conditioner in top shape too so you’re comfortable year-round.
Worried about your furnace installation cost? Hill-Air provides competitive pricing with no hidden fees and offers financing plans to make it easy to get the system you need without stretching your budget.
Request a Free Quote for Your Furnace Installation in the West Chester Area
Ready to install a new furnace? Hill-Air Heating & Air Conditioning makes it simple! Our team is here to answer your questions, provide expert advice, and guide you through the entire furnace installation process. We offer free quotes so you can start planning with no obligations. Contact Hill-Air today to schedule your free quote and discuss your furnace installation in West Chester, OH.