Our Process at Unique Air: From First Call to Install
See how Unique Air handles every HVAC job from the first phone call to the final walk-through, with clear pricing and same-week scheduling.
At Unique Air, our process runs in five stages: a 15-minute phone intake, an on-site load calculation, a written fixed-price quote, the install itself (usually one to two days), and a 30-day follow-up visit. Founded in 2011 and based on Maple Street, we've kept the same sequence for over a decade because it works.
What happens on the first call?
The first call takes about fifteen minutes. We ask what's failing, when it started, the age of your system, and the square footage of the space. Most homeowners want to jump straight to a number. That's the wrong first question. The right first question is whether your existing ductwork can even carry the airflow a new unit needs, because dropping a 4-ton condenser onto ducts sized for 2.5 tons is how you end up replacing the same system twice.
We book a site visit within 48 hours. No deposit, no obligation. If you'd rather read up before calling, our short guide on questions worth asking before you hire covers what separates a real quote from a guess.
How do we size and quote the system?
On site, we run a Manual J load calculation. This is the residential standard set by ACCA and referenced by the U.S. Department of Energy as the correct way to size heating and cooling equipment [1]. Rule-of-thumb sizing (square footage times a fixed number) is still common in our trade, and it's wrong often enough that ENERGY STAR specifically warns against it [2].
Here's what we measure:
- We record window count, glazing type, and orientation for solar gain.
- We check attic insulation depth and note any gaps or compression.
- We measure existing duct runs and static pressure at the air handler.
- We test the electrical panel capacity and breaker sizing.
- We ask about hot rooms, cold rooms, and where you actually spend time.
- We photograph the outdoor unit location and clearances.
The written quote lands in your inbox within two business days. Fixed price. Line-itemed. No "and up" pricing.
What does the install day actually look like?
Most installs take one day. A full system swap with new lineset and thermostat runs closer to two. A three-person crew arrives between 7:30 and 8:00, lays drop cloths from the door to the equipment, and pulls the old unit before lunch. Refrigerant is recovered per EPA Section 608 requirements, not vented [3].
Last April a customer on Beech Avenue, Janet, 62, called us on a Tuesday because her 18-year-old system had died in the first heat wave. We measured Wednesday, quoted Thursday, installed the following Monday. Total cost was $6,840 for a 3-ton heat pump with a new air handler. She had cool air by 4 p.m.
Try this: before install day, clear a three-foot path from your entry to the mechanical closet, and pen up any pets. It shaves about an hour off the job.
One thing we do differently
We commission every install. That means we measure supply and return temperatures, verify subcooling and superheat against the manufacturer's spec sheet, and leave you a printed sheet with the numbers. Most crews skip this. It's the single best predictor of whether a system will still be running quietly in year twelve.
How much does a full installation cost?
Pricing depends on system type, tonnage, and whether ducts need work. Rough ranges from our 2024 job book:
| System Type | Typical Cost | Install Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC replacement (same size) | $4,200–$5,800 | 1 day | Working ducts, dead condenser |
| Heat pump full swap | $6,500–$9,200 | 1–2 days | All-electric homes, mild winters |
| Ducted mini-split (3 zones) | $9,800–$13,500 | 2–3 days | Additions, uneven temperatures |
| Full system + new ducts | $12,000–$18,000 | 3–5 days | Older homes, major renovations |
Financing is available on jobs over $5,000. We also handle the utility rebate paperwork for you, which on a qualifying heat pump can knock $2,000 off the final invoice.
Want more background on who we are and how we got here? Read our welcome post.
FAQ
How quickly can you start a job?
For standard replacements, we usually start within five to seven business days of quote approval. Emergency no-heat or no-cool calls jump the queue, and we keep two crew slots open each week specifically for them. Custom equipment orders (variable-speed heat pumps, for example) can add one to two weeks.
Do you charge for the site visit and quote?
No. The site visit, load calculation, and written quote are free. We ask for a signed agreement and a 30% deposit only once you approve the quote. Final payment is due when the system passes commissioning and you've walked through it with the lead installer.
What warranty do you offer?
Equipment carries the manufacturer's warranty, typically ten years on parts for major components. Our labor warranty is two years, which is longer than the one-year standard in our region. If a warranty part fails, we cover the labor to swap it during that window.
Do you service what you install?
Yes. Every install includes a free 30-day follow-up and one free tune-up at the twelve-month mark. After that, our maintenance plan runs $189 a year and covers two visits plus priority scheduling.