Installation day today - any tips or checklists?

[apexstar]

Good morning and hello to everyone from unusually rainy DallasFtWorth :)

My HVAC install for replacing split AC-Furnace system starts today.

Getting a Rheem 13 AJL series R410 with 5ton, 90k BTU capacity installed.

This is my first experience ever with an AC install. So please help me and others who search in the future with any tips and lists of things to check before, during and after the install. Inisghts on how to partner & manage expectations with the contractor as well as reviewing the quality of the job would be very helpful.

Also getting R22 replaced with R410 refrigerant. Contractor says he will take all R22 out, just need quick thoughts on how to make sure its done right.

:cheers:

[ampulman]

Good morning and hello to everyone from unusually rainy DallasFtWorth :)

My HVAC install for replacing split AC-Furnace system starts today.

Getting a Rheem 13 AJL series R410 with 5ton, 90k BTU capacity installed.

This is my first experience ever with an AC install. So please help me and others who search in the future with any tips and lists of things to check before, during and after the install. Inisghts on how to partner & manage expectations with the contractor as well as reviewing the quality of the job would be very helpful.

Also getting R22 replaced with R410 refrigerant. Contractor says he will take all R22 out, just need quick thoughts on how to make sure its done right.

:cheers:

Very first thing: check the equipment (model numbers) coming off of the truck against your quote.

Amp

[I_bend_metal]

Be good to your installers....they will be good to you....

Offer some coffee, a bathroom.....just common sense things....



As far as the install goes, they should flow nitrogen while brazing, pull a good vacuum on the system with a micron gauge, everything should be neat, plumb and level.....you should take some pictures when they are done for this thread.....

Here's why they should flow nitrogen while brazing......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uP-eb8Zz08

[apexstar]

Ibendmetal, thanks for the tips.

I saw the youtube video on need for brazing with nitrogen. But since I am novice on advanced HVAC topics, please explain when will brazing come into play during my AC replacement.

[Roscoe]

heh...leave them alone .....then....buy lunch.........Pizza's good.........:couch:

[Roscoe]

Ibendmetal, thanks for the tips.

I saw the youtube video on need for brazing with nitrogen. But since I am novice on advanced HVAC topics, please explain when will brazing come into play during my AC replacement.

After you buy the Pizza...................:D:D

[clarkie]

Hopefully, they are replacing the refrigerant tubing also because of the change of refrigerant? Make sure of this! The new system is not compatible with the old system unless they do a total clean out and flush but it is better to have all new copper tubing installed instead. Eliminates any future contamination issues. Ask about the ease of maintenance involved which includes how easy it is to change the air filter plus being able to flush out your drain line for the a/c condensation. Also make sure the outdoor unit is at least 12" from a wall to be able to get proper ventilation all around the unit.
Treat the installers well and hoping you get a real fine and neat installation.

[yellowirenut]

including everything above......don't hover to close. A few steps back or hanging out in the back yard to watch over is good, but do not stand on there heels unless they bring u over to show u something...if u have questions ask politely. Even though they are "working for u" its not a time to be demanding..but that being said if u see something that is an issue then ask about the situation..if they refuse to give an answer or a answer that u are not happy with then contact there supervisor.

[Roscoe]

Then buy cold beer and Pizza

[trey r]

Leave them the hell alone and let them do their job! If you need to babysit them, you hired the wrong company.

[ampulman]

check the model #'s.???..WTH is that...go take a leap

I've seen a few posts here, where there were discrepancies in model numbers (not implying that they were intentional).

By the same token, some of the resident PROs have stated that they don't purge with nitrogen, or use a micron gauge, etc., so I think it's safe to say that 'mistakes' do happen.

Amp

[I_bend_metal]

Ibendmetal, thanks for the tips.

I saw the youtube video on need for brazing with nitrogen. But since I am novice on advanced HVAC topics, please explain when will brazing come into play during my AC replacement.

Your new AC will consist of an outdoor unit, indoor coil and a lineset (copper lines) that will connect the two.....these lines need to be brazed together....this is where it comes into play.

Also, as the others have said....don't hound these guys....let them do their jobs without too many interruptions....

Any good install crew will be happy to go over your new system and answer all of your questions at the end of the install.....

Good luck!

[Roscoe]

I've seen a few posts here, where there were discrepancies in model numbers (not implying that they were intentional).

By the same token, some of the resident PROs have stated that they don't purge with nitrogen, or use a micron gauge, etc., so I think it's safe to say that 'mistakes' do happen.

Amp
Like trey said
Then they hired the wrong company, if the installers din't check the model # before they load it up.............. ya prolly went cheap and you get's what ya paid for.......................just sayin...........

wit
Pepperoni's good.............:D

[apexstar]

alright guys, you have convinced me your brethren deserve their own space and if the crew talks to me nice, they will get some pizza thanks to you :munching:

the crew arrived 30mins ago. lol, I feel like a blogger!

on the refrigerant cleanout, the owner (yes he is also on duty for the install) mentioned they first flush out using some chemical in "flush can" he showed and subsequently poured into an pressurized tank. he then said they will suck out from the other side. he said thats pretty much the industry standard. hope it goes well, dont want to end up with any contamination.

the crew is now up in attic taking apart the old unit, while a guy checks the line measurements outside.

I want to be selective on which areas of the install I should watch for and specially take pictures on (for future reference specially on maintenance/repairs). Let me know your thoughts on this.

more later as install progresses.

[dan sw fl]

DallasFtWorth :) replacing split AC-Furnace system starts today.
Rheem 13 AJL series R410 with 5ton, 90k BTU capacity installed.

So please help me and others who search in the future with any tips and lists of things to check before, during and after the install.

... , just need quick thoughts on how to make sure its done properly with me out of the way

:cheers:

1. Provide coffee and donuts.
2. Leave check on the counter.
3. Ask that t-stat manual be provided
4. Wish them well
5. Go out for shopping - nice lunch
... and return in ~ 5 hours

6. Come back to nice, completed job after they have left.
7. Make sure they took the your check
8. Was the t-stat manual provided?
9. Does your TV work?
10. Relax.

[trey r]

That sounds about right.

[Roscoe]

You'll get a good job.................so long as the Pizza's good.............:D

[beenthere]

What some of the others said.

Ask that the install manuals be left on site(some companies don't do this).
If the thermostat looks complicated to you. Ask that it be explained, after they are finished installing and setting up the equipment.

If the outdoor unit looks out of level, bring it to there attention, when they don't seem to be working on it any more.

[key1cc]

Not sure if this has been mentioned...but if it were me, I'd ask them to check my ESP (external static pressure) when they are done. That info will provide you quite a bit of insight on your install and it should take a seasoned Pro very little time (takes me only a minute or two).

Key1

[Roscoe]

Well how'd it go................the Pizza I mean...........:D

[apexstar]

guys and gals, the install just got done, I will get back with more details when I have had a chance to cool down and also see how everything is working.

Roscoe: the owner and crew loved the pizza, got a pepporoni and veggie with cinnamon stix and soda. BTW you need to definitely get some pizza today, you are one hungry pal. :)

[BigJon3475]

Read over your instillation, warranty and owners manuals well. Many times if you need to and enjoy...

[sir fix alot]

we need pics. plz plzz :couch:

[apexstar]

pictures will be there later tonight or latest tomorrow morning. right now my boys are fighting over who gets to choose the race circuit in Mario Kart Wii ! So I am needing to play referee.

One issue I am noticing post-install is with howling noise coming from return air grilles/ducts. With this install I got an air filter rack in the attic. So after I removed the 3 previous air filters from the return grilles downstairs to prevent restriction of return air, it seems the wall cavity leading upto duct on one of the grilles is making the noise. When I put the old filter back on that one grille, the noise seems to subside, but I dont want to restrict airflow. So lets see what my friends here have to say.

[BigJon3475]

Use the largest surface area possible for your air filters... If that means having all three filters instead of the one in the air handler do it. The air filter is a restriction. Also if you're using those pleated filter, unless they designed your return filter grilles for them, don't use them.

[beenthere]

Means your grille is slightly small for the return air that is being pulled through it.

Sometimes, the grille fins can be adjusted to stop the noise.

[trey r]

Means your grille is slightly small for the return air that is being pulled through it.

Sometimes, the grille fins can be adjusted to stop the noise.


I agree too much face velocity. Try and Straighten the fins on the grill.

You may want to have them check the CFM.

[hidalgo1301]

WHERE ARE THE PICS?? :eek2::eek2::LOL:

[key1cc]

pictures will be there later tonight or latest tomorrow morning. right now my boys are fighting over who gets to choose the race circuit in Mario Kart Wii ! So I am needing to play referee.

One issue I am noticing post-install is with howling noise coming from return air grilles/ducts. With this install I got an air filter rack in the attic. So after I removed the 3 previous air filters from the return grilles downstairs to prevent restriction of return air, it seems the wall cavity leading upto duct on one of the grilles is making the noise. When I put the old filter back on that one grille, the noise seems to subside, but I dont want to restrict airflow. So lets see what my friends here have to say.

Did they check your static pressure?
If so then post the numbers and you may get some insight to the howling noise as well as other potential issues.
Key1

[apexstar]

Finally the pictures are ready. :yes:

Any better way to post about 20 pictures together, I have some ideas but running out of time. Got a limit of 7 so putting in multiple posts.

Appreciate the patience while waiting, had been busy with pending household chores.

Overall the unit seems to be working well, had to get used to adjusting the dampers (first time experience) to get the right flow in the right rooms.

Here are still some nagging but not major concerns, and some are just comments:
1. slow whistling noise on return grilles (going to try the suggestions on adjusting fins)

2. the condensor coil has one visible spot where it seems to have taken some impact! not too big area but please see picture and advise.

3. whats a good filter to go with? see pic of what installer put in. earlier someone mentioned pleated maybe worth avoiding. why? my main reason to pay extra to get filter rack in attic was to get filtration just before cooling. Entire family is also allergy prone.

4. on the static pressure, did not ask the installers since I did not read that suggestion on time yesterday. dang!

5. I had been thinking about getting an independent review of the install for say $100. Not sure if i need it now, thinking spring maybe better time, but on other hand I can get back the owner/installer now when its fresh if there is a problem. He had given a 1yr labor warranty. No major concern, just thinking aloud.

All of you who breathe and live in this forum make it special. I feel at peace hearing from you and moving from a total novice to atleast making some educated decisions. time to treat family to weekend lunch now, so gotta go. god bless y'all.

[apexstar]

2nd set of pics

[apexstar]

3rd set of pics

[trey r]

Not very familiar with new Rheems, are they internally trapped?

Not a neat looking job, I'm not a fan of leveling condensers with bricks.

We aren't allowed to use the flexiable vent pipe in attic installations here.

Not sure why they used so many elbows on vent.

Drain pan should be more level.

Don't like how the unit is hung, Gonna be a pain to service.

[hidalgo1301]

I sometimes use bricks to level, but always conceal and fill in voids with dirt. I would liked to have seen the unit hung a little different also. Is there any type overflow protection(float switch)? Comes in handy to save your ceiling in case of drain issues. Double check the flue at the furnace, could be just the picture, but it does not look to be all the way on..I am not familiar with Rheem furnaces. I know that on Lennox Evaporator coils, they come set up for left hand (airflow from right to left), and if placed for right hand discharge we are supposed to put in a 12" spacer. If you have someone else check the install, have them check the static pressure readings, I only see one return and you stated that your existing return is "whistling". Is it cooing well, had somewhat of a load today. Thanks for the pics.

[johnt2_2002]

it might be the pictures..but i'm a little worried about the way the vent is coming off the furnace, i see too much of a restriction there with all those bends

[tinmandad]

I've been trying to figure out that bit of flex connecting the two sections of B-vent.
I'm assuming it is double wall also.
Can anyone explain this?

[yellowirenut]

http://www.ventingpipe.com/metalbestos-5swc-5-5-x-5-type-b-gas-vent-flex-connector/p653822?source=gba_653822&CAWELAID=339810681

could be this....

[trey r]

I've been trying to figure out that bit of flex connecting the two sections of B-vent.
I'm assuming it is double wall also.
Can anyone explain this?


We have used it several times on water heaters. I have only ever seen it in single wall.

[tinmandad]

http://www.ventingpipe.com/metalbestos-5swc-5-5-x-5-type-b-gas-vent-flex-connector/p653822?source=gba_653822&CAWELAID=339810681

could be this....

Well I'll be.......
It's actually classed as B-vent.
I'm still learning something new everyday.
Thanks for the link.