JL Heating & Air — AC Install

1. The Conversation

“Before I start measuring — what made you decide to look at a new system? Any rooms that never get comfortable? And is there a budget you’re trying to stay inside, so I can quote you the right options?”

Ask why they want the install — comfort, failure, age, selling the house?

Ask about problem rooms — hot/cold spots, airflow, noise complaints.

Ask the budget question — never skip it. It decides which options we quote.

Ask if they want specific equipment — brand, quiet, high-efficiency, smart stat.

Ask their timeline — this week, this season, just pricing it out?

On a budget? (range if shared) Specific equipment requests Timeline Why they're buying / main complaint

Financing note: always mention we have options for tight budgets — monthly plans and financing. Nobody gets embarrassed about price at JL.

2. Existing Equipment

Photo of furnace/air handler data plate (make, model, serial).

Note furnace orientation — upflow / downflow / horizontal.

Check venting — 80% (metal flue) or high-efficiency 90%+ (PVC)?

If 80%: check flue condition, water heater shares the flue? (orphaned WH = liner talk)

Note filter size and location.

Note existing AC / cooler / coil — what gets removed or stays?

Furnace make / model / age Orientation Venting Filter size Equipment being removed Equipment location

3. Measurements — Coil & Plenum

Measure, don't eyeball. Coil that doesn't fit the plenum = a lost day and an unhappy customer.

Measure furnace/air handler cabinet width & depth.

Measure height available above furnace for coil (to first duct fitting/obstruction).

Measure supply plenum width × depth.

Measure return drop / return duct size, count return locations.

Measure door/stair/access clearance for getting equipment in and out.

Cabinet width × depth Height above furnace for coil Supply plenum W × D Return size / count

4. Condensate & Drains

Is there a floor drain near the equipment? How far?

Can condensate route to an outside drain by gravity?

If no gravity path: condensate pump needed — where does it discharge?

Attic/finished space above living area: secondary drain pan + float switch required.

Floor drain? Drain route notes

5. Line Set Route

Walk the line set path from coil to outdoor unit location — is it possible?

Estimate line set length (ft) and count wall penetrations.

Existing line set present? Right size / reusable or replace?

Visible runs: line set cover needed for a clean professional look?

Line set possible to outside? Est. length + route notes

6. Electrical

Check the panel BEFORE quoting. No room for a 2-pole breaker changes the price of the job.

Photo of the panel — cover on AND cover off if safe.

Panel brand, main breaker amps, open spaces for new 2-pole circuit.

Overall condition — burnt lugs, double taps, rust, recalled panel (Zinsco / FPE)?

Measure distance panel → outdoor unit location (wire run).

Disconnect + whip present or needed at outdoor location?

Thermostat wire — how many conductors? C-wire available for new stat?

Panel brand / main amps Room for new circuit? Panel condition Wire run distance / notes

7. Outdoor Unit Location

Pick the pad spot — level ground, solid base, good service access.

Clearances — walls, fence, gas meter, dryer vent, property line.

Noise check — distance to bedroom windows, patio, neighbor's window.

Photo of the spot from a few feet back.

Outdoor location notes

8. Attic / Horizontal Installs (if applies)

Attic access — where, how big, ladder or pull-down? Will the air handler fit through?

Hanging points for unistrut — solid framing where the unit needs to go?

Working room — can we actually build the plenum and wye up there?

Count rooms needing supply runs + returns (return in each room = quiet system).

Secondary drain pan + float switch planned (attic = always).

Attic / duct design notes

9. House & Sizing

Square footage + levels (ask or look up).

Windows — old single-pane or newer? Big west-facing glass?

Insulation impression — attic depth, house age.

Sq ft / levels / year built Sizing notes

10. Photo Pass

Photos answer the questions you forgot to ask. Take them all — 2 minutes now saves a return trip.

Furnace + data plate

Coil/plenum space above furnace

Electrical panel (cover on + off)

Line set path + wall penetration spot

Outdoor unit location

Attic access + hanging area (if attic job)

Thermostat + wire count

11. Wrap-Up With Customer

“I’ve got everything I need — measurements, electrical, and the routing all check out. We’ll put together your options and get you a written estimate shortly. Nothing happens until you approve it, and there’s no pressure either way.”

Tell them when to expect the estimate.

Confirm best phone/email for sending it.

Tap "Text Survey to Josh" at the top — the estimate gets built from this card.

Anything else Josh should know

AC Install — New System Survey

Customer & Contacts