So Your AC Died… How Long Will It Take to Replace?
Hey there! If you’re reading this, I’m guessing your AC just went kaput. First off, my condolences. There’s nothing worse than a broken AC in the middle of summer. Well, maybe stepping on a Lego, but it’s close.
Anyway, I’ve been there. Last year, my AC decided to retire without giving me any notice. Rude, right? So, I thought I’d share what I learned about getting a new one installed and how long it may take. Grab a cold drink (you’ll need it), and let’s dive in!
The “What’s Wrong With This Thing?” Phase
Okay, so first things first. You need someone to come check out your dead AC. I called a local HVAC guy, and he was over in a couple of days. The tech spent about an hour poking around my AC, muttering things I didn’t understand.
This is normal. They’re not judging your life choices; they’re just figuring out what kind of AC you need. Oh, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! I felt dumb at first, but then I realized this guy deals with clueless homeowners all day. He’s used to it.
Shopping for an AC (It’s Not as Fun as It Sounds)
Once you know what you need, it’s time to pick a new AC. This part can take anywhere from a day to a week, depending on how picky you are and what’s in stock. I spent way too long comparing models online. It was like trying to pick a new phone, but way less exciting. Eventually, I just went with what the HVAC guy recommended. Sometimes, you gotta know when to fold ’em, you know?
Waiting… and Waiting… How Long Will It Take
Here’s the not-so-fun part, waiting for installation. I called around a few companies, and most of them were booked solid for like two weeks. In July. Go figure. I finally found a company that could come in a week. I may have bribed them with promises of homemade cookies. (Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures.)
The Big Day: AC Installation Extravaganza!
Installation day is kind of exciting, in a weird “I’m an adult and this is what excites me now” kind of way. The HVAC team showed up bright and early, looking way too chipper for people about to work in my hot attic all day.
It took them about 6 hours to get everything done. I tried to stay out of their way, but I also kept “casually” walking by to see what was happening. They probably thought I was super weird.
The Moment of Truth: Will It Work?
After they finished, it was time to fire up the new AC. I was so nervous, I felt like I was waiting for test results or something.
But guess what? It worked! And oh man, that first blast of cold air… I swear I heard angels singing. The HVAC guys spent another hour testing everything and showing me how to use the new thermostat. (Spoiler alert: I still had to Google it later.)
The “I’m Now an AC Expert” Phase
Before they left, the head HVAC guy gave me a crash course in AC maintenance. Changing filters, keeping the outdoor unit clear, all that jazz. I nodded along like I was going to remember all of it.
So, How Long Did All This Take?
Alright, let’s break it down:
- Initial assessment: 2 days to get an appointment, 1 hour for the actual check
- Choosing an AC: I spent 3 days obsessing, but you could do it in 1 if you’re less neurotic
- Waiting for installation: 1 week (your mileage may vary)
- Installation day: 1 full day
All in all, it was about a week and a half from “Oh crap, my AC’s dead” to “Ahh, sweet, sweet cold air.”
Final Thoughts from a Fellow AC Survivor
Look, replacing your AC isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. It’s expensive, it’s kind of stressful, and you’ll probably sweat more than you’d like. But here’s the thing, it’s worth it. That first night sleeping in a cool house again? Pure bliss.
My advice? Don’t panic, ask lots of questions, and maybe stock up on popsicles to get you through the hot days. Oh, and if all else fails, remember that your local mall has excellent AC and nobody will judge you for hanging out there all day.
