What to Expect When Upgrading Your Heating System

Choosing a new heating system isn’t just about selecting the most or least expensive model. There’s a huge variety of system types, sizes, and features. At Black-Haak in Greenville, WI, we guide you through the entire process. It begins with a consultation and load calculation, followed by our assistance in selecting the system with the features and efficiency you want.

The detailed estimate will include the anticipated duration of the installation. Next, we schedule the swap, and then we can guide you on how to prepare to minimize disruption to your household. After the installation, we offer maintenance plans to keep your system running at peak performance.

Pre-Upgrade Assessment and Load Calculation

We begin the upgrade process with a walkthrough of your home’s heating needs. A technician collects measurements of each room, notes ceiling heights and window types, and asks about your comfort preferences. They take into account insulation levels as well as the number and size of windows and doors. That detailed assessment makes sure your new system fits your living space without overworking or short cycling.

You’ll receive clear numbers indicating the heating capacity required for your home. If your home is large, multi-level, or has trouble maintaining a consistent temperature throughout, we might recommend a zoned system. Modern technology enables zoning with forced-air central heaters by placing automatic dampers in the ductwork. For a drafty sunroom or a snug bedroom, this can mean the difference between chilly corners and cozy evenings. By the end of this phase, you will know exactly what capacity your new unit requires and where any airflow improvements should be made before installation begins.

Equipment Selection and Sourcing

Once you understand your load requirements, it’s time to pick the right make and model. We can explain furnace efficiencies, heat pump performance curves, and airflow options. If you lean toward a gas furnace, comparing AFUE ratings helps you see which model converts the most fuel into warmth. For heat pumps, SEER and HSPF numbers reveal cooling and heating efficiency. Newer cold-climate heat pumps can come with supplemental electric heat strips or variable-speed blowers. During this selection process, we can also discuss the manufacturer’s warranties, parts availability, and recommended service intervals and maintenance plans.

When you decide on a system, we order the exact unit, along with any matching air handler, vent kit, or condensate trap. Custom ordering helps avoid delays caused by backordered parts, ensuring a smooth installation day.

Permit Acquisition and Site Preparation

Before any work begins, our installer secures any necessary permits from the local building department. Those approvals confirm that planned changes meet safety codes for gas piping, venting, and electrical connections. Prior to installation day, clear pathways around the old unit and relocate any furniture or stored items from the furnace room or mechanical closet. You will also want to arrange for pets and children to be kept out of the workspace.

On the day of install, the technician might ask you to turn off adjacent circuits or gas valves. The crew lays down floor protection and stages tools and materials. This keeps your home clean and enables a smoother transition with minimal tracking back and forth.

Removing the Old System

When everything is ready, the crew shuts off power and gas at the meter or service panel. They disconnect vent pipes or flue attachments and cap off any unused openings. The old furnace or air handler comes out in manageable pieces, so doorways remain unharmed. If you have a heat pump outdoor unit, technicians disconnect the electrical and refrigerant lines before lifting it off its pad. They also recover refrigerant safely, following EPA guidelines to avoid releases into the atmosphere.

While the old system is out, the team inspects the remaining duct collar, plenum, and condensate drain for corrosion or blockages. That quick check will reveal any issues that might affect the new equipment’s performance. Before they leave, they will haul away the old unit and packaging from your property and dispose of it responsibly.

Installing New Components and Adjusting Ductwork

With the space cleared, the crew positions the new furnace, boiler, or air handler on a level pad or platform. If ductwork needs resizing or reinforcing, they cut and fit sheet-metal sections to match the new unit’s airflow requirements. They install flexible connectors to absorb vibration and seal every joint with UL-listed mastic.

For heat pumps or ductless systems, they also mount the outdoor condensing unit and run refrigerant lines through wall sleeves, insulating them to prevent condensation. Gas furnaces receive new gas connectors sized according to code, along with a sediment trap and a drip leg. Electric furnaces get upgraded wiring and breakers as needed to match amperage needs. The installer sets up the condensate drain with a trap primer to coat the pan and avoid overflows during heavy use. Each component is placed in its precise location to support efficient airflow, safe combustion, and reliable operation.

System Startup, Calibration, and Testing

Once all connections are secure, it’s time to fire up the new system. The technician opens the gas valve or energizes the electric circuit and follows a manufacturer-provided startup checklist. For gas units, they verify gas pressure, check ignition sequences, adjust burners, and run a combustion analyzer to ensure flues carry away byproducts safely. For electric units, they adjust heating-element settings so the unit runs at peak performance. With heat pumps, they measure refrigerant superheat and subcooling with gauges to confirm proper charge. For all forced-air systems, they calibrate the thermostat and test the blower and airflow against static pressure.

This rigorous post-installation checklist ensures your system delivers the warmth you expect without wasting energy. You’ll see thermostat readings match actual room temperatures and hear only the gentle hum of a well-tuned blower.

Programming the Thermostat and Zoning Considerations

After hardware installation finishes, attention turns to controls. If you opted for a programmable or smart thermostat, the technician will configure it to suit your daily schedule and preferred temperature settings.

If you have multiple zones, the installer will connect zoning dampers, testing each to ensure it opens and closes on command. The installer also links any wireless sensors or remote heads, positioning them on interior walls away from direct sunlight or drafts. Once all sensors report accurate temperatures, the thermostat coordinates compressor or burner activity to keep each zone comfortable.

Final Walkthrough and Maintenance Planning

With the system running smoothly, the installer invites you to inspect the work area and reviews each control setting. You learn how to change filters, recognize normal operating sounds, and adjust fan modes. The crew provides paperwork with warranty details, recommended service intervals, and emergency shut-off instructions. You discuss annual maintenance plans that include cleaning burners or coils, checking safety controls, and testing gas lines or refrigerant levels.

Scheduling that first tune-up before next winter locks in peace of mind and keeps your system running as designed. When you close the door on the mechanical room, you know your home’s warmth comes from a system built for your space, professionally installed and ready for the season.

Ready to Upgrade? Call Us!

Upgrading your heating system includes a thorough load calculation, equipment selection, removal of the old unit, careful installation of new components, and a final performance check. You’ll also learn about maintenance plans that keep your investment running smoothly. Ready for a warmer, more efficient home? Contact Black-Haak today to schedule your heating system upgrade.