Every residential or light commercial installation follows a rigorously engineered sequence at Salt City Plumbing, Heating & Air. Skipping a step—or performing it hastily—invites higher energy bills, comfort complaints, and premature system failure. Here is precisely what we do so you know what to expect and why each phase matters.

1. Pre-Installation Home Assessment & Load Calculation

We start with a Manual J load calculation, measuring insulation levels, window orientation, air infiltration points, and internal heat gains. The result—expressed in British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h)—tells us how much heat your house gains on a Wasatch Front summer afternoon. Guesswork sizing leads to short cycling, humidity problems, and lower life expectancy; an engineered load calculation eliminates that risk.

2. Selecting the Correct System Size for Local Climate

The Salt Lake Valley’s elevation and diurnal swings demand equipment that handles both 100 °F peaks and cool desert nights. We match the calculated load with manufacturers’ performance tables at our 95 °F design temperature, balancing capacity, SEER2 efficiency, and dehumidification capability.

3. Permitting & Code Compliance

Before the first tool comes out, we submit permit applications to your municipal building department and document that the chosen equipment meets the current Utah Mechanical Code and local amendments. Permit approval protects your warranty and ensures safe electrical, gas, and refrigerant work.

4. Safe Removal of Existing Equipment

When replacement is required, we recover the old refrigerant into EPA-certified cylinders, disassemble the indoor coil, and haul the condenser to a licensed recycling facility. No venting to the atmosphere—ever.

5. Preparing Indoor & Outdoor Sites

• Indoor: We clear a service corridor around the furnace or air handler, set down protective floor runners, and install an oversized secondary drain pan where the code requires.
• Outdoor: We excavate or re-level the pad area, pour a vibration-isolating composite pad, and ensure 24 inches of airflow clearance on all sides.

6. Installing the Indoor Evaporator Coil & Air Handler

The new evaporator coil is sealed to the supply plenum with antimicrobial mastic and foil tape—never duct tape. A metering device (TXV or electronic expansion valve) matched to the condenser is factory-installed or field-adapted. We then position the air handler or retrofit your existing furnace blower if it meets static pressure requirements.

7. Placing the Outdoor Condenser

We set the condenser on the cured pad and shim for the perfect level, anchoring it with hurricane-rated brackets (required by Davis County wind maps). Rubber isolation feet dampen low-frequency compressor noise.

8. Running Refrigerant Lines & Electrical

Pre-insulated copper linesets are routed through a UV-resistant chase, sloped toward the condenser for oil return. We braze with nitrogen flowing to prevent scale, pressure-test to 500 psi with dry nitrogen, evacuate to 300 microns, and confirm a standing vacuum. Electrical whip, weatherproof disconnect, and properly sized breaker are installed to National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.

9. Ductwork Upgrades & Return-Air Optimization

Undersized or leaky ducts strangle system performance. We enlarge returns to keep total external static pressure below 0.8 in. w.c., seal joints with mastic, and add balancing dampers. Where airflow is marginal, we replace trunk runs with appropriately sized rigid metal.

10. Refrigerant Charging & Leak Verification

With the system under deep vacuum, we weigh in the factory-specified refrigerant charge to the ounce, then fine-tune using superheat/subcooling readings under stabilized conditions. Electronic leak detectors confirm tightness.

11. Smart Thermostat & Controls Integration

We run new 18-8 thermostat cables, land control wires on the indoor board, and program the thermostat for staging, humidity control, and energy-saving schedules. Wi-Fi setup and homeowner app training happen on-site.

12. Airflow, Static Pressure & System Balancing

Using a hot-wire anemometer and digital manometer, we verify the design CFM at each supply register, adjust dampers, and document the final static pressure. Proper balance prevents hot-and-cold room complaints and maximizes SEER2 performance.

13. Start-Up, Calibration & Safety Checks

We record voltage and amperage against nameplate values, test compressor crankcase heaters, verify refrigerant pressures, and perform a combustion safety spill test when the furnace shares a flue. Fault histories are cleared, and equipment firmware is updated where applicable.

14. Warranty, Maintenance & Owner Responsibilities

We register the equipment with the manufacturer the same day, securing the full parts warranty. We explain filter change intervals, coil-cleaning schedules, and the importance of an annual tune-up to keep labor coverage in force.

15. Final Walk-Through, Cleanup & Documentation

All tools, packaging, and debris leave with us. We provide a signed commissioning report, permit sign-off documents, and a copy of your load calculation. You receive our 24/7 service line for any post-installation concerns.

A meticulous installation protects your investment, delivers peak comfort during Utah’s hottest stretches, and keeps utility bills in check for years to come. When you are ready for a system built to Wasatch Front conditions and backed by our certified expertise, we are ready to get started.

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