There’s nothing like the peace of mind of having a brand-new air conditioner (AC) cooling your home. Before the installation crew arrives, it helps to take a few steps to prepare your space. A small investment of your time can pay off in a faster, smoother and safer installation process.
Getting ready for a new AC installation ahead of time will help the technicians do their best work while protecting your home and belongings. It goes a long way toward enjoying that sweet, cool air sooner.
Preparing your home for a new AC installation can be a smooth and straightforward process. The majority of the preparation work will be indoors, focusing on clearing a safe and efficient workspace for the technicians. The goal here is to protect your property and to give the installation team the room they need to maneuver heavy equipment and complex tools.
The crew will need to transport the new unit in, often moving between your entry door and the interior unit location, which is usually a closet, attic or basement. This is the area where having a clear path is crucial. Start by moving all furniture, rugs and any potentially fragile wall decor that lies on this direct path.
Removing these items prevents accidental nicks, scratches or breakages and gives the crew ample room to work without having to navigate an obstacle course. Once the path is clear, it’s wise to protect your remaining items and flooring.
Even the most careful technicians can create dust and debris from removing old ductwork or drilling new holes. Covering nearby furniture, sensitive electronics and flooring with simple drop cloths or plastic sheeting is an easy, inexpensive way to safeguard your home.
Technicians need unimpeded access to a few critical areas to complete the job safely and up to code. First, locate your circuit breaker panel and ensure it is easily accessible. The crew will need to safely power down the old system and connect the new one. This process requires work at the main electrical panel.
Second, if your indoor air handler or furnace is housed in a closet or utility area, clear the immediate vicinity. Remove mops, storage boxes, cleaning supplies and anything else that crowds the space. The bulk of the indoor work will occur here, and a clean, open area makes the job much quicker.
For their safety and your peace of mind, it’s best to make arrangements for pets and small children to be out of the work area for the day. Installation involves moving heavy equipment, using power tools and keeping an entry door open for periods of time.
Keeping your dog, cat or other pet in a quiet, secure room or even off-site ensures they aren’t stressed by the noise or accidentally allowed to escape. Likewise, keeping children away from the active work zone is essential for preventing accidents.
The outdoor unit, or condenser, is just as important as the indoor AC components. By preparing the home for new AC installation outside, you’ll ensure the crew can safely and properly install it.
The outdoor unit is a large piece of equipment, and technicians will need room around it to stand, kneel and work with tools. You’ll need to clear a radius of at least 2 to 3 feet around the existing outdoor unit.
This area must be clear of any obstructions that could impede access. Start by removing toys, gardening tools, patio furniture and any general debris, then carefully cut back shrubs, hedges, branches and any overgrown plants. Overgrowth restricts airflow around the unit, reducing its overall efficiency and making it difficult for technicians to access the electrical components and refrigerant lines. The space should be completely clear down to the soil or paving.
The crew will arrive in a large work vehicle, often a truck or van, carrying the new unit, tools and materials. Remind yourself to leave space in the driveway for the work vehicle. If your driveway is small, consider parking your personal cars on the street or in the garage so the crew can get as close as possible to your house for easy unloading.
Finally, if you have a fenced yard, it’s best to unlock any gates so technicians can easily move between their truck and the worksite without delays. If you won’t be home when the crew arrives, let the installation company know the gate code or arrange for it to be unlocked beforehand.
Knowing how to prepare for a new AC installation also involves understanding what the day itself will look like. Installation is a significant home improvement project, and managing your expectations will make the day much smoother for everyone involved.
Installation is a hands-on, mechanical job, and it’s important to plan for the noise that comes with it. Expect drilling, sawing and hammering, especially during the removal of the old equipment and the connection of the new lines.
If you work from home, you might consider planning quiet, non-meeting activities for the day, or even relocating to a temporary workspace like a coffee shop.
While every home is unique, the general installation workflow follows a predictable set of steps. This brief outline can help you anticipate the day:
Before the crew packs up and leaves, take the time for a post-installation walk-through with the lead technician. This is your opportunity to learn about your new system and confirm everything is to your satisfaction. You can ask these key questions:
While the primary focus is on the AC unit, a key part of professional service is a thorough cleanup. You should expect a high level of cleanup from the crew, which includes the removal of all old equipment, packaging and debris from the worksite. The final steps also include sweeping or vacuuming any areas where dust has accumulated. If you used drop cloths to protect your furniture, you can take them off once the crew is gone.
The installation team is also likely to set the thermostat to a comfortable setting, feel the air coming out of a few vents, and ensure it’s cooling your home properly before leaving. These steps will confirm the system is fully operational.
This quick checklist summarizes the most critical tasks you need to complete on or before installation day:
To make your day even smoother, here are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners have when preparing for a new AC installation.
The duration of an AC installation can vary based on the complexity of the job. Most standard residential central air conditioning replacements take place over a day, often between six and 10 hours.
If the job involves extensive new ductwork, a full system conversion or working in a tight attic or crawl space, it may take a little longer. Your installation partner should provide you with an accurate time estimate before the work begins.
Ideally, you or another responsible adult should be home for the entire duration. While the technicians are professionals and can work independently, your presence is essential for several reasons. First, you need to grant access to the technicians and discuss the work to be done. The technicians will need access to your breaker panel and thermostat location.
Finally, you need to be available for the final walk-through and to sign off on the work once it’s complete and you’ve confirmed the system is cooling properly.
Yes — having a technician dispose of your old AC unit during a replacement is the simplest and most responsible way to handle it. Proper disposal involves the safe removal of refrigerants, which technicians can do, and the transport of the unit to a certified facility for recycling or disposal.
Air conditioning work is almost always scheduled in advance, but the weather is unpredictable. Most indoor work, such as replacing the air handler and electrical wiring, can proceed regardless of rain.
Outdoor work, especially brazing refrigerant lines and electrical connections, can be hazardous in heavy rain, lightning, or severe cold or heat. If a severe storm is expected, your provider will likely contact you the day before to discuss a brief reschedule, ensuring the safety of their crew and the quality of the installation.
Yes, you will likely lose power during the installation. The technicians must turn off the power at the main breaker panel to safely connect the new system’s wiring. This period is usually temporary, but plan for an outage of up to a few hours while the most critical electrical work is done.
Water is usually not affected, although technicians may need temporary access to an outdoor hose spigot or a nearby drain line connection for the condensation line.
By taking the time to prepare your home and the workspace, you can help the installation team, protect your belongings and ensure the entire process is as smooth as possible. Choosing the right AC installation partner is the final and most important step.
At Strada Services, we take pride in making the installation process easy, efficient and professional from start to finish. Our experienced technicians will handle every detail, including the safe removal of your old unit and the final, comprehensive system test that ensures complete peace of mind. When you partner with us, you can be assured that every step from preparation to post-installation support is handled with care and precision.
Ready to start enjoying a perfectly cool home? Contact us today to schedule a consultation or get a quote on your AC installation or replacement services. We’re here to help you find the most efficient and reliable cooling system for your home.
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
Tired of hanging holiday lights? Discover the beauty and convenience of permanent lighting with Strada Services! Get a 15% discount if you’re an existing customer! *available in select markets
