How to use this checklist
This checklist covers the full arc of a residential HVAC installation in Livonia — from deciding to move forward with a replacement through the weeks after your new system is running. Work through it in order. The items marked Important are the ones that most commonly get overlooked and cause problems later.
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Phase 1 — Before You Request an Estimate
A little preparation before your estimate appointment means the technician can give you a more accurate quote and you can ask better questions.
Phase 1
Before Your Estimate
Know your current system's age and model Important
Find the data plate on your furnace or outdoor AC condenser — it shows the manufacturer, model number, and serial number. The serial number usually encodes the manufacture year. Write these down before the estimate appointment so the technician can assess what is being replaced.
Note any comfort problems in your home
Write down which rooms are too hot or too cold, whether humidity has been an issue, and any unusual sounds or smells from the current system. These observations help the technician diagnose whether the issues are system-related or duct-related.
Locate your electrical panel Important
The technician will need to assess your panel capacity — especially for heat pump installations which require a dedicated circuit. Know where your panel is and whether it has been upgraded recently.
Check your existing ductwork condition if accessible
If you can access your basement or utility room ducts, look for obvious disconnections, visible gaps at joints, or insulation that has fallen off flex duct. Note what you find — it helps the estimator prioritize during the assessment.
Know your home's square footage and year built
These feed directly into the Manual J load calculation. Your square footage should be on your property tax records or the original purchase documents. Year built is on most property records and Zillow listings.
Decide whether to replace one system or both Optional
If both your furnace and AC are aging, think through whether you want to replace both at once. Replacing together saves labor cost and produces a matched system — but it is a larger upfront investment. Coming in with a preference helps the estimator tailor the quote, though you are not locked in.
Research the federal heat pump tax credit if applicable Optional
If you are considering a heat pump, the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit provides up to 30% back (max $2,000/year) on qualifying systems through 2032. Look up the IRS requirements or consult your tax professional before the estimate so you can ask about eligible equipment.
Phase 2 — During Your Estimate Appointment
Your free on-site estimate is the most important part of the process. Here is what to verify and ask while the technician is in your home.
Phase 2
During Your Estimate Appointment
Confirm a Manual J load calculation is being performed Important
Ask the technician directly: "Are you running a Manual J load calculation to size the system?" Any legitimate contractor will say yes. A contractor who sizes equipment by rule of thumb or matches the old system size without measuring is a red flag — an incorrectly sized system causes comfort problems and premature failure.
Ask about ductwork condition and whether modifications are needed Important
If your ducts need repair, sealing, or modification to work with the new system, you want to know before you agree to a price — not on install day when it becomes an unexpected add-on. Ask specifically: "Have you assessed the ductwork, and is anything included in the quote or quoted separately?"
Confirm permit is included in the quote Important
The City of Livonia requires a mechanical permit for HVAC installations. Ask whether the permit fee is included in the quote or billed separately. It should be included — a contractor who suggests skipping the permit to save money is cutting a corner that affects your home's resale value and safety.
Ask about equipment brand options and efficiency ratings
Ask what brands they install and whether you can choose between standard and high-efficiency equipment. A good contractor will present options at different price points and explain the efficiency payback period for your specific usage pattern in Livonia's climate.
Confirm the quote is written and itemized
Do not accept a verbal estimate. The written quote should itemize equipment, labor, permit, and any duct work separately. This protects you from surprise charges and lets you compare quotes from multiple contractors on equal terms.
Ask about the installation timeline
Confirm how many days the installation will take, when the earliest available slot is, and whether you need to be home the entire time or just at the start and end. Get a specific arrival window — not just "morning."
Ask about warranty coverage Optional
Confirm what manufacturer warranty comes with the equipment (typically 5-10 years on parts for major brands) and whether there is a separate installation workmanship warranty. Some manufacturers require professional installation registration to activate the full warranty period.
Phase 3 — Before Installation Day
Once you have accepted a quote and scheduled your installation, a few preparation steps make install day go more smoothly.
Phase 3
Before Installation Day
Clear the area around your existing equipment Important
Remove any stored items within 3-4 feet of your furnace, air handler, or outdoor condenser. Contractors need clear access to disconnect, remove, and replace equipment. Cluttered mechanical rooms slow the job and can result in damage to your belongings.
Clear a path from the entry door to the mechanical room
Equipment comes in and old equipment goes out through your home. A clear path — no obstacles, area rugs rolled back, tight corners flagged — protects your floors and walls and speeds the job.
Confirm someone will be home for the start and end of the job Important
You or another authorized adult needs to be present when the crew arrives and available for the final walkthrough at the end. You do not need to stay home the entire time, but plan to be there for the first 15 minutes and the last 30-45 minutes.
Make arrangements for pets
The installation crew will be moving in and out of the home repeatedly with exterior doors open. Secure pets in a room away from the work area or make arrangements for them to be elsewhere during the installation day.
Confirm the thermostat situation Optional
If you have a smart thermostat (Nest, Ecobee, etc.) ask the contractor in advance whether it is compatible with the new system — especially if installing a heat pump, which requires a thermostat with a heat pump specific setting. Incompatible thermostats can cause the new system to operate incorrectly.
Have a backup heat plan if installing in winter Optional
Even a same-day installation leaves your home without heat for several hours. In Michigan winters, plan accordingly — space heaters for key rooms, or arrange to be out of the house during the coldest part of the job.
Phase 4 — On Installation Day
The crew does the work — your job is to be available at the right moments and pay attention during the walkthrough.
Phase 4
On Installation Day
Greet the crew and confirm the scope of work
When the crew arrives, quickly confirm what is being installed and any specific instructions — unusual access points, parking constraints, areas to avoid. Takes two minutes and prevents miscommunication.
Confirm drop cloths are placed before work begins Important
A professional crew places drop cloths on floors before moving equipment. If they do not, ask them to before anything moves. This is a reasonable expectation and any professional contractor will comply without issue.
Stay available by phone during the job
If you leave during the installation, make sure the lead technician has your cell number and that you are reachable. Occasionally unexpected issues — a duct connection that needs modification, a question about equipment placement — require a quick decision from you.
Be present for the final walkthrough Important
The final walkthrough is when you learn how your new system works. Pay attention — this is when the technician shows you the thermostat operation, filter location, emergency shutoff, and what to expect in the first few cycles. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
Confirm old equipment has been removed from the property
The old furnace, condenser, and any removed components should leave with the crew. Before they go, confirm the old equipment is loaded and your property is clear.
Test the system in both heating and cooling modes Optional
Before the crew leaves, ask them to run the system through a brief heating and cooling cycle (where applicable) so you can confirm it is operating and distributing air to all rooms. Most technicians do this as standard — if they do not, ask.
Phase 5 — After Installation
The installation is done — here is what to take care of in the days and weeks that follow.
Phase 5
After Installation
Confirm the mechanical inspection has been scheduled Important
The City of Livonia requires a mechanical inspection after HVAC installation. Your contractor should schedule this and notify you when it is confirmed. If you have not heard within a week of installation, follow up to confirm it is on the calendar.
Register the equipment warranty Important
Most major HVAC manufacturers require online registration within 60-90 days of installation to activate the full warranty period. Your contractor should provide the model and serial number — register the equipment at the manufacturer's website as soon as possible. Unregistered equipment often falls back to a shorter base warranty.
File the permit documentation Important
Once the mechanical inspection passes, keep the permit documentation with your home records. This is important for home resale — buyers and their inspectors will ask whether the HVAC installation was permitted and inspected. Having the documentation ready prevents deal delays.
Note the filter size and set a replacement reminder
Write the filter size on a piece of tape stuck inside the filter compartment door. Set a calendar reminder to replace it — typically every 1-3 months depending on filter type and household. A clogged filter is the most common cause of reduced system efficiency and premature component wear.
Monitor energy bills for the first full billing cycle
Your first full heating or cooling bill after installation gives you a baseline for the new system's operating cost. Compare it to the same period last year — you should see a reduction, especially if you upgraded to a higher-efficiency system.
Claim the federal heat pump tax credit if applicable Optional
If you installed a qualifying heat pump, claim the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit on your federal tax return for the year of installation. Keep your installation invoice and equipment documentation — your tax professional will need the specific model and efficiency rating to confirm eligibility.
Schedule annual maintenance for next season Optional
Annual professional maintenance extends equipment life and catches small issues before they become expensive repairs. Schedule furnace maintenance in September or October before heating season and AC maintenance in April or May before cooling season. Contact OnPoint HVAC at (248) 331-8090 to set up a maintenance plan.
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