THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF ABT

Ranges Mattresses Small Kitchen Appliances TVs Headphones Laundry

• Services

Tips From Dan: How To Buy a New HVAC System

By: Megan

Content Writer

11 min read

Your home's HVAC system is a large contributor to the overall comfort of your space—and to your monthly expenses. The term 'HVAC' stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Instead of a single product, several systems work together to maintain consistent temperatures throughout your space. Typically, these systems include a thermostat, a furnace, an air conditioner, a heat pump, an air handler and ductwork. This can make buying a new HVAC system an intimidating process, especially if it’s your first time. However, it doesn't have to be.

At Abt, we strive to make the process as seamless as possible. Our in-house experts, like our department manager Dan Raysby, are there every step of the way, from the initial estimate to the final walk-through. We want to ensure that you’re not only receiving the best possible service but also getting an HVAC system that turns your home into a comfortable living space for the whole family.

The Abt HVAC Installation Process

Step One: The Estimate

The Abt HVAC installation process begins with creating an estimate. To build a precise estimate, Dan sends a team of in-house specialists to your home to measure its size, any current ductwork and make note of other contributing factors. These measurements are used to determine an accurate load calculation, which corresponds to the system size needed to properly cool and heat your home. The wrong calculation could lead to selecting an oversized or undersized system. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you might think. That's why our technicians take everything into consideration before giving you the final load calculation and estimate.

Step Two: Building the Sale

Following the initial visit from Abt, it's time to start building your HVAC system with help from our team. This is where the load calculation comes in, as we'll use it to help find the big-picture components that make up a new HVAC system. Forced air systems are the most common choice, as they provide both efficient heating and cooling through ductwork and use a thermostat for temperature adjustments. These systems are also easy to personalize.

If you have any questions while you shop, give our experts a call at 800-860-3577. Please note that 50% of the deposit will be due after you've finished building your system and the order has been placed. The other 50% will be paid after your system's been installed. Once ordered, you’ll be able to schedule a date for the installation.

Step Three: Getting Your New System Installed

Each part of your HVAC order is checked several times by our experts to ensure quality and performance. The morning of your appointment, the head of our HVAC department, Dan, or our manager, Bill, will give a final check before sending the technicians to your home. Please note that the installation process is an all-day job. This allows our technicians to ensure everything is properly positioned and working correctly. If possible, we recommend having someone at home while our experts are there, whether it’s you or another adult that you trust.

Knowing It’s Time to Replace

Perhaps the hardest part of the process is knowing when it's time to replace your HVAC system. Many people will wait until it's broken. However, this is far from ideal and could leave you with a house that's humid or freezing cold. With regular maintenance checks, you'll know when it's time to replace your system before it breaks. Dan mentioned that routine service can help prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system, and it can even give your system an extra five years of use. But when not properly maintained, HVAC systems last about 10 years, though you’re also paying high repair costs and higher utility bills.

Other Factors to Consider

If you're preparing to buy a new HVAC system, there are a few other aspects to think about. First, the cost. On average, the cost of an HVAC system ranges from $10,000 to $14,000. This number largely depends on the size of your home and how intricate you want your system to be. The more you choose to add, the higher the price. However, these additional features also mean more comfortable living, so be sure to consider your family's needs before making a decision.

Before choosing a company to install, be sure to look into its reliability and service quality. Many HVAC issues come from poor or improper installation. And once the system’s installed, it’s challenging and expensive to fix, meaning you'll be stuck until it's time for a new one. While researching their reliability, it's a good idea to check their warranty, too. At Abt, our customers come first. That's why we cover service calls and emergency services within our warranty. Whether your system needs work at 2 a.m. or on a holiday, our experts are there to help.

Why Abt for Your HVAC Installation

At Abt, we strive to provide the best service possible. That's why all of our technicians are graduates of Abt University, our on-site training facility. Here, our specialists get hands-on experience and learn how to work on a variety of appliances, including those not up to code. Following their training, all of our HVAC technicians must pass the EPA test and earn their Section 608 Technician certification. This mandatory exam must be passed by anyone who services, repairs, maintains or disposes of products and equipment that potentially release refrigerants into the atmosphere. We also offer in-house NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certifications. While it isn't a requirement, we want our customers to know that we prioritize providing excellent education, certification and high-quality service.

Are you ready to get started? Once you’ve browsed through some of our HVAC products, fill out the form on our HVAC services page and our experts will get back to you as soon as possible. If you still have questions about choosing a new system or the HVAC installation process, give our team a call at 800-860-3577. After your system’s been installed, remember to schedule regular checkups to keep everything running properly. At Abt, we service everything we sell. Whether you need to schedule a tune-up, an annual maintenance visit or an emergency service, our team of service and repair technicians is there to help. Learn more from our service departments with our post on Apple Carplay, complete with tips from our in-house specialists James Senne and Gary Allen.