Investing in a new HVAC system, especially if the one you have is more than ten years old, is a significant upgrade. It’s also a significant financial commitment, which is why you want to make certain you’re getting the correct HVAC system for your home in Sonoma County. The climate here can go from very cold and foggy to very warm over the course of a day, so it’s vital that you have an HVAC system you can trust. An older system may not keep you as comfortable as you would like.
Of course, one of the first questions many homeowners in the area ask is how much does HVAC installation cost? Is it worth it? Price is always a consideration, but if everything is installed by an expert, it can be worth every penny. A professional HVAC installation is an investment, and it can actually save you money in the long run. That’s because a modern system installed by a professional will be very energy efficient, reliable, and, perhaps most importantly, remain under warranty.
Let’s take a look at all of the benefits of a professional HVAC installation in Sonoma County and how Valley Comfort Heating and Air can help ensure your home is comfortable.
Before the Installation: Evaluation and Planning
A great HVAC installation in Santa Rosa begins before the crew even reaches your home. Instead, it starts with planning, training, and the proper tools.
Home Assessment & Detailed Load Calculation
A reputable contractor doesn’t simply replace your old HVAC unit. Instead, they look at your home as a whole first to determine what exactly your needs are. You may have upgraded your windows, added on to your home, or no longer have the proper insulation.
Before we order a new HVAC unit for your home, we will determine the following:
- The total square footage of your home.
- The height of your ceilings.
- The direction your home faces in relation to the sun.
- Climate information for Sonoma County.
- The number and type of windows in your home.
- The amount and R-value of your current insulation.
System Selection: SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) Ratings
Understanding the efficiency rating is one of the most important things when considering your new HVAC system cost.
SEER measures a system’s cooling efficiency. For those in Norther California, we recommend a HVAC system with a SEER 16 or higher. High-efficiency units often feature a two-stage compressor that helps keep your home’s temperature consistent.
AFUE measures how efficiently your furnace is able to convert fuel (typically gas) into heat. If your HVAC has a 95% AFUE rating, that means only five percent of fuel is lost. This significantly reduces your overall utility costs.
Local permits and regulations
In California, HVAC installation is strictly regulated. You must be a licensed contractor in order to pull the necessary permits. If you skip this step or have someone who is not licensed install your HVAC system, you face major risks that include fines, delays in construction, and may hinder the sale of your home years later. When you search for “HVAC installation near me,” you want to make certain the team you find follows all regulations and pulls all the proper permits before doing any work.
The 7-Step HVAC Installation Process
Typically, professional installation of a new HVAC system takes anywhere from one to three days, depending on your home. If you’re upgrading from a very old system or are switching from gas to electric or electric to gas, you may need your ductwork modified.
Let’s take a look at the seven-step installation process we follow.
Step 1: Site Evaluation
The first thing we do is fully evaluate your home and your HVAC system. We look to see what condition your ductwork is in and make certain your electrical panel can handle the energy needs of modern high-efficiency systems.
Step 2: Permit Acquisition
Next, we look at the regulations (federal, state, and local) that apply to your home and pull all required permits.
Step 3: Removal of the Old System
Next, our team will remove your old system carefully. We use special tools to safely remove things such as refrigerant and dispose of it and the old system according to California regulations.
Step 4: Installing the New System
Next, we will install the new indoor evaporator coil and the outdoor condenser. We will make certain the condenser is perfectly labeled, that the refrigerant is added safely, and that everything works correctly.
Step 5: Ductwork Integration
Next, we will make any changes to your HVAC system’s ductwork as needed. Poorly fitted ducts can cause air loss, resulting in higher costs to both heat and cool your home in Sonoma County.
Step 6: Electrical and Control Connections
Next, we will wire the new unit and thermostat, including making any changes to your electrical panel that is required. We’ll also install new smart thermostats and make other changes as necessary.
Step 7: Testing and Startup
When we’re finished with your install, we don’t just clean up and leave. We will do a full test to make certain everything is functioning as it should be and is completely safe. If anything seems off, we’ll look into it right away.
Post-Installation Checklist
In addition to testing everything, we have a post-installation checklist that we will always go through.
- Code compliance – We will make certain everything we touched will pass electrical and gas safety standards and inspections.
- A final walk-through – After we’ve finished the installation, we will walk you through everything that was done, explain how to operate the new system and change the filters, and answer any questions you may have. We’ll also walk you through the warranty paperwork so you understand what’s covered.
- Documentation – We will provide you a copy of all the documents involved, including copes of permits, your equipment serial numbers, the warranty paperwork, and all other relevant documents.
Energy Efficiency & Local Considerations
Sonoma County homeowners have access to various incentives that can offset the new hvac system cost. Because California is a leader in green energy, there are often state-level tax credits and local utility rebates (such as through PG&E or Sonoma Clean Power) for installing high-SEER air conditioners or high-efficiency heat pumps.
For inland areas with hot summers, investing in a variable-speed blower is highly recommended. These blowers can run at lower speeds to maintain a steady temperature, using far less electricity than older “all or nothing” motors.
Maintenance and Ongoing Care
Once your AC installation in Sonoma County is finished, our goal is to keep it functioning perfectly for 15 to 20 years or even longer. We do this by offering maintenance and ongoing care services such as bi-annual tune-ups, duct sealing, and more. We will also provide you with recommendations for filters that are designed to help with the large amounts of pollen we get during the spring and that will help deal with debris during wildfire season.
Trust Your Home to the Local Experts
A professional HVAC installation that is code-compliant is the only way to guarantee that your home is safe and comfortable all year long. From the initial inspection to the final walk-through, you can count on the team at Valley Comfort Heating and Air.
Ready to upgrade your HVAC? Reach out today to discuss your needs and to arrange for an estimate.
