Samantha’s practical, no-nonsense guide to protecting your comfort, efficiency, and investment
If I’ve learned one thing from watching HVAC installs go right—and wrong—it’s this: most long-term comfort problems are installation problems, not equipment problems.
You can buy a high-efficiency system, choose a reputable brand, and still end up disappointed if the installation skips fundamentals. The good news? Homeowners don’t need to be HVAC experts to protect themselves. You just need to know what “good” looks like.
This guide breaks down the 10 HVAC installation best practices I believe every homeowner should understand before signing off on an install. These apply whether you’re installing a Goodman SEER2 system, a heat pump, or any modern central HVAC setup.
1️⃣ 📐 Start With Proper System Sizing (Not Guesswork)
Why this matters
An oversized system short-cycles, struggles with humidity, and wastes energy. An undersized system runs constantly and never quite catches up.
Best practice
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A load calculation should be used, not just square footage or “same size as before”
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Home improvements (windows, insulation, layout changes) should be considered
ACCA’s Manual J methodology is the industry standard for residential load calculations.
Samantha tip: If sizing was decided in under five minutes, ask more questions.
2️⃣ 🌬️ Design for Airflow—Not Just Equipment
Why this matters
Your HVAC system moves air. If airflow is restricted, even the best equipment can’t perform properly.
Best practice
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Duct sizes must support the new system’s airflow needs
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Returns should not be undersized or blocked
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Duct transitions should be smooth and sealed
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that poor airflow and duct losses can significantly reduce system efficiency.
3️⃣ 🔧 Follow Manufacturer Installation Instructions—Exactly
Why this matters
Equipment is tested and rated under specific installation conditions. Deviating from those conditions risks performance loss and warranty issues.
Best practice
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Maintain required clearances
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Follow approved orientations
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Use recommended accessories
Manufacturer installation manuals exist to protect both performance and longevity.
👉 https://www.goodmanmfg.com/resources
Samantha reality check: “We’ve always done it this way” is not the same as “This is how it’s designed to be installed.”
4️⃣ 🧪 Never Skip Proper Refrigerant Evacuation & Charging
Why this matters
Moisture and air inside refrigerant lines damage compressors and reduce efficiency.
Best practice
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Use a vacuum pump and micron gauge
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Verify evacuation before releasing refrigerant
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Adjust charge based on actual line-set length
ACCA’s Quality Installation standards emphasize evacuation and verification as non-negotiable steps.
👉 https://www.acca.org/standards
5️⃣ ⚡ Get the Electrical Right the First Time
Why this matters
Improper electrical work can cause nuisance trips, safety hazards, and inspection failures.
Best practice
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Correct breaker sizing
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Proper grounding and bonding
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Accessible disconnects
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Clean, strain-free wiring
All electrical work should comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC).
👉 https://www.nfpa.org
6️⃣ 💧 Plan Condensate Drainage Like Water Damage Is Expensive (Because It Is)
Why this matters
Condensate problems don’t announce themselves—they quietly damage ceilings, walls, and floors.
Best practice
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Proper drain slope
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Traps where required
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Secondary drain pans in attics
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Float switches where overflow risk exists
Condensate planning is a design step, not a last-minute add-on.
7️⃣ 🔊 Address Noise & Vibration During Installation
Why this matters
Noise complaints almost always trace back to installation choices—not defective equipment.
Best practice
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Level outdoor pads
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Use vibration isolation where needed
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Avoid rigid duct connections to framing
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Set blower speeds correctly
A properly installed system should fade into the background of daily life.
8️⃣ 🛠️ Keep Service & Maintenance Access Open
Why this matters
If technicians can’t access components, maintenance gets skipped—and systems fail sooner.
Best practice
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Leave clearance for service panels
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Ensure filters are easy to change
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Avoid burying electrical or drain components
Quality installation standards consider serviceability a requirement, not a luxury.
👉 https://www.acca.org/standards
9️⃣ 🧾 Pull Permits & Schedule Inspections
Why this matters
Permits protect homeowners, not contractors.
Best practice
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Confirm who pulls the permit
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Expect an inspection where required
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Keep documentation for resale and warranty
The Department of Energy explains how permits and inspections help ensure safe, compliant installations.
🔟 📋 Demand Startup Checks & a Homeowner Walkthrough
Why this matters
An installation isn’t complete just because the system turns on.
Best practice
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Verify system operation under load
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Confirm airflow and temperature split
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Review thermostat operation
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Learn filter location and maintenance schedule
Samantha rule:
If no one explains how to live with your new system, the install isn’t finished.
🚩 Common Installation Shortcuts to Watch For
Be cautious if you hear:
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“Permits aren’t really necessary”
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“The factory charge is good enough”
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“Ducts don’t matter much”
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“We’ll come back if there’s a problem”
Good installs prevent problems instead of reacting to them.
✅ Samantha’s Homeowner Installation Scorecard
A quality HVAC install should check these boxes:
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✔ Proper sizing method used
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✔ Airflow and duct design considered
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✔ Manufacturer instructions followed
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✔ Refrigerant work verified
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✔ Electrical and drainage done to code
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✔ Noise, access, and serviceability planned
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✔ Startup testing completed
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✔ Homeowner educated
If any box is missing, pause before signing off.
🏁 Final Thought: Installation Quality Is the Real Upgrade
SEER ratings, brand names, and features all matter—but installation quality determines whether you feel the benefits.
When these 10 best practices are followed, systems:
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Run quieter
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Last longer
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Use less energy
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Deliver consistent comfort
That’s not luck. That’s planning, execution, and homeowners who know what to expect.
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In the next topic we will know more about: Common Installation Errors & How to Avoid Them — Lessons from the Field
