Before the crew comes
Clear a path to the furnace and to the outdoor unit. Move the car if the route runs through the garage. Put pets somewhere quiet, because doors stay open for much of the day while equipment moves in and out.
The day itself
A straight swap usually takes one working day, in this order:
- Recover the refrigerant from the old system and shut off the power.
- Pull the old outdoor unit and the old coil.
- Set the new coil on the furnace and the new unit on a level pad.
- Braze the line set, pressure test it, then pull a deep vacuum to clear out moisture.
- Release the charge, start the system, and check the charge and airflow against the manufacturer's numbers.
A heat pump adds control wiring and a setting that tells the furnace when to take over.
What can add time
New electrical work, a line set that has to run through a finished ceiling, or moving the unit to a new spot can each add time. Your quote should list them up front so nothing comes up on the day.
Before they leave
Have the crew show you the thermostat, where the filter goes, and the startup numbers they recorded. Keep the model and serial numbers for the warranty registration.
To plan the day around your house, book a visit or start with photos. For more on the work itself, see what an AC install includes.