Austin Homeowner’s Guide to Preparing For AC Install Day

We’re so glad you chose McCullough Heating & Air Conditioning for your air conditioner replacement project. Most homeowners in Austin will replace an air conditioner just a few times in their lifetime – so we know this type of project might be totally new to you. But don’t worry – our install crews do this every single day! With that in mind, we’ve created this guide to help set expectations for the installation of your new air conditioning unit.. You’ll learn how to prepare for install day, what to expect on the day-of, and how to keep your AC running in top-notch condition after we leave. 

Preparing Your Home For an AC Replacement

A big home improvement project can be stressful. We’ve found that with a little advance preparation, you’ll feel much more at ease during your install day.

• Plan to Be Present on Install Day – An adult over 18 years of age must be onsite at your home to supervise the install. If your job allows you to work from home, plan to limit longer meetings and phone calls, as the noise from installation may be disruptive. 
• Arrange for Childcare – For the safety of your family, please ensure that children remain far away from our working areas. The best-case scenario would be to arrange for childcare outside of the home while we are replacing your air conditioner.
• Ensure Open Pathways and Access – Our team will need a direct path to your existing equipment – both outside and inside. Before we arrive, take care to unlock gates, clear away any overgrown landscaping, and relocate any lawn furniture. On the interior, move any small furniture pieces or precious items hanging on the wall. Then there’s the big one: the attic. Many Austin homeowners use every inch of their attic for storage. Keep in mind we need at least six feet of clearance on all sides of the equipment. Consider moving any holiday decorations or other storage items well out of the way of where our team will be working. This is the perfect excuse for some spring cleaning! 
• Plan for Your Pets – AC installs are a noisy business! Plus, we’ll be entering and exiting doors frequently throughout the day. Please secure animals to a closed-off space in your home. We will be working outdoors, so the backyard may not be the best option. Consider treating Fido to some doggy daycare!

What To Expect the Day of Your New AC Installation

Most air conditioner replacements will take about 8 hours to complete. The length of the job varies depending on the size of your home and how easily we’re able to access your equipment. 

You can expect to receive a confirmation text message the day before we arrive. We’ll also send a text when we are on our way. That’s your cue to unlock any gates, secure your pets, and make sure any other family members are safely away from the working area. 

Your installation crew will arrive on time with your new air conditioning unit and everything required for installation. The lead installer will introduce themselves and inspect the paths leading to the equipment installation area. Next, our team will lay drop cloths to protect the floors in your home. Once we’ve set the stage, we’ll be ready to get to work. 

Then…relax! Your new, energy-efficient air conditioning system is just a few hours away.

As we wrap up for the day, our team will pick up all of our drop cloths. We remove any debris and dust-bust to ensure your home is just how we left it (but cooler)! Finally, if your installation included a new thermostat, we will get that set up for you and show you all the unique features.

After Your AC Replacement Is Finished

Once the installation is complete, our office staff will be in touch to schedule a quality check. We are committed to providing the highest quality AC installs in Austin, which is why we always double-check our work. Also, if your project qualifies for any rebates, our team will get to work on processing that paperwork on your behalf.  

It’s important to remember that just like any appliance, the wear and tear begins from Day 1. Regular AC maintenance is the best way to keep your new system running smoothly. And, tune-ups are required by air conditioner manufacturers to keep your warranty intact. We strongly recommend all homeowners join our McCullough Comfort Club – which includes automatic scheduling of your annual tuneup. Ask your installer for details on how to sign up!