By Jake — System Designer, Installer & the Guy Who Inspects Every Unit Like His Reputation Depends On It (Because It Does)
Most homeowners think an AC installation begins when the condenser is set on the pad.
Jake knows better.
For him, the install starts in the truck, long before the Goodman 2.5 Ton 13.4 SEER2 R-32 condenser ever touches the ground.
Every failed system he’s ever been called out to fix had one thing in common:
Nobody checked the unit before unloading it.
R-32 systems are more pressure-sensitive, more efficiency-dependent, and more check-critical than older refrigerant systems. So Jake has a strict arrival checklist he follows every single time—no shortcuts, no exceptions.
This guide walks through Jake’s exact process, step-by-step.
🚚 1. The Truck Inspection Zone — Why Jake Never Unloads Right Away
Most installers grab the condenser and haul it straight to the install site.
Jake refuses.
Why?
Because unloading before inspection hides:
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shipping damage
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coil dents
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cabinet warping
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fork-lift punctures
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refrigerant loss
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mislabeling
Jake says:
“If you find a problem after the unit leaves the truck, the manufacturer might call it ‘installer damage.’ Keep it in the truck until you confirm everything.”
🏷️ 2. Step 1 — Verify the Model, Tonnage & Refrigerant (Label Check)
Jake’s first move is checking the data plate—before touching anything else.
What he checks:
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Correct model number
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Correct tonnage
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R-32 refrigerant label
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Correct voltage (208/230V)
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Correct phase (single-phase for residential)
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Correct serial number for warranty tracking
Why it matters
Wrong tonnage = wrong system performance
Wrong refrigerant = immediate rejection
Wrong voltage = electrical fire hazard
Wrong serial = warranty chaos
Jake cross-references label details with the order sheet.
📦 3. Step 2 — Inspect the Box, Pallet & Strapping for Damage
Before opening the box, Jake inspects all external packaging.
He checks for:
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Compression marks
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Torn cardboard
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Crushed corners
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Water damage
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Broken pallet slats
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Missing or cut straps
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Forklift tine punctures
Jake’s rule:
“If the box is damaged, the unit probably is too.”
Damaged packaging is a red flag for concealed dents or coil damage.
🧊 4. Step 3 — Check the Coil Integrity (No Bent Fins, No Leaks
The condenser coil is the heart of the unit. Even small damage affects airflow and SEER2 rating.
Jake checks:
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Front coil
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Side coil wraps
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Protective grille alignment
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Fin straightness
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No crushed corners
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No refrigerant oil stains
Oil = leak
Leak = reject the unit immediately
Why R-32 coils need extra checking
R-32 runs at higher pressures.
A tiny manufacturing dent may not leak today—but could leak within months.
Goodman Coil Protection Standards
🔧 5. Step 4 — Confirm the Compressor Clearance & Mounting Stability
Before unloading the unit, Jake makes sure the compressor is properly seated.
He checks:
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Compressor mounting bolts
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Rubber isolation bushings
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No rattling sounds
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No loose internal components
Why it matters:
A loose compressor leads to:
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vibration noise
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copper line stress
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early weld failure
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poor oil return
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decreased SEER2 performance
Jake gently tilts the unit a few inches—never fully sideways—to listen for movement.
🌬️ 6. Step 5 — Check Fan Blade & Motor Movement
Jake spins the fan blade by hand to verify:
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smooth rotation
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no scraping
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no wobble
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centered alignment
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correct blade pitch
What can go wrong during shipping?
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Bent fan cage
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Warped blades
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Disconnected set screw
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Motor shaft misalignment
Jake says:
“If the fan blade touches anything, the install stops. Period.”
🔌 7. Step 6 — Electrical Compartment Inspection (Before Power Ever Touches It)
Jake removes the access panel to inspect the internal electronics.
He checks:
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Factory-tightened connections
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No loose wires
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No damaged capacitors
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Correct contactor installation
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Factory wiring integrity
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No signs of arcing, soot, or rust
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Secure low-voltage block
Why Jake checks this BEFORE unloading
If there’s shipping damage inside the electrical compartment, it's easier to:
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photograph
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report
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return
…while the unit is still on the truck.
Verified Reference Link
Emerson / Copeland Electrical Component Reference
🧪 8. Step 7 — Verify Factory Refrigerant Charge (Weight Check)
R-32 systems come pre-charged.
Jake uses a refrigerant scale to check the condenser’s exact factory weight.
Why?
Because shipping damage or micro-leaks sometimes cause:
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partial charge loss
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valve leakage
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factory underfill
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unexpected refrigerant depletion
Jake’s rule:
“If the weight doesn’t match the data plate, do NOT install it.”
📐 9. Step 8 — Verify Cabinet Squareness & Integrity
Jake checks that the cabinet is perfectly square—not twisted, warped, or bowed.
Why this matters:
A warped cabinet causes:
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fan alignment issues
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coil airflow restrictions
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service panel gaps
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increased vibration
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long-term wear
Jake uses:
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A 24-inch level
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A straightedge
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Visual corner checks
If the cabinet isn’t square, Jake refuses to install it.
🔍 10. Step 9 — Check for Missing Parts, Hardware & Docs
Jake checks the accessories bag for:
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installation manual
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warranty card
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service port caps
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rubber grommets
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24V wiring
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screws and fasteners
Missing items = stoppage
No exceptions.
🎧 11. Step 10 — 10-Second Rattle Test (Jake’s Secret Move)
Jake gently shakes the condenser 2 inches side-to-side while listening.
A healthy R-32 condenser will sound:
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solid
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tight
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uniform
A damaged unit will sound:
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rattly
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loose
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squeaky
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hollow
Jake’s dealership returns more units from the rattle test than any other inspection step.
🛑 12. What Happens If the Unit Fails ANY Step?
Jake does NOT allow the unit to leave the truck.
He immediately:
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Photographs the issue
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Documents the model + serial
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Contacts the distributor
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Requests a replacement
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Leaves the unit untouched
Why Jake is strict
“Installing a damaged unit puts the blame on YOU, not the manufacturer.”
This alone prevents warranty disputes that could cost homeowners thousands.
🔚 13. Jake’s Final Word Before the Unit Touches the Ground
Most installers rush this part.
Jake doesn’t.
He says:
“If the condenser isn’t perfect when it arrives, it won’t be perfect when you install it.”
The R-32 refrigerant era demands tighter tolerances, cleaner handling, and stricter quality control. Jake’s arrival checklist prevents:
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callbacks
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refrigerant leaks
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noisy compressors
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fan failures
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warranty denials
It’s the difference between an install that lasts 3 years and one that lasts 20 years.
