New-construction HVAC

Understand the cause and the scope

The building plans, insulation approach, windows, and intended use help shape the design. Coordination before walls and ceilings close can make room for equipment access, return pathways, and drainage. Final selections should be based on project-specific information.

Make a confident decision

Bring available plans and the builder’s schedule. Ask for a scope that defines equipment, distribution, controls, exclusions, and startup. Changes to the building or selections should be addressed before they become installation conflicts.

Ask about HVAC financing

Start with a written project estimate, then ask about available financing through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Subject to credit approval. Monthly payments are required; the eligible purchase and current lender terms determine available options.

Built for Gulf Coast conditions

Southwest Louisiana systems work through long cooling seasons, high humidity, salt-influenced air, storms and heavy rainfall. The recommendation should consider drainage, corrosion exposure, airflow and recovery after outages—not equipment capacity alone.

Read the Southwest Louisiana humidity guide · Read the outdoor-equipment corrosion guide

Equipment and registration

S&S is a Carrier - Tempstar Elite Dealer and an approved Trane Dealer. Ask which brand and model fit the project. Manufacturer registration controls eligibility for extended parts coverage. S&S submits registration where possible; the customer should retain and check the manufacturer confirmation. The manufacturer’s written eligibility and warranty terms control.

Parts coverage and workmanship coverage

Manufacturer parts coverage and S&S workmanship coverage are separate. A manufacturer parts warranty covers the part only; diagnostic labor, refrigerant, freight and miscellaneous materials are billable unless covered under the S&S labor warranty. Standard S&S coverage is one year on installation workmanship and 90 days on repairs, unless a longer period is stated in writing on the estimate or purchased as an extended labor plan. Covered workmanship corrections include labor during normal business hours. Maintenance requirements, exclusions and other written conditions apply.

Read coverage and conditions

Builder plan review and next step

Send the project address, plan status, anticipated mechanical scope and desired construction schedule. S&S confirms a project-specific review date after complete plans and coordination details are received; no universal bid-turnaround promise applies.

Bring HVAC decisions into the building plan early

Share the current plans, intended use of each space, insulation approach, windows, ceiling configuration, and available equipment locations. Identify decisions that are still changing. An addition, new house, and separately used shop can have different comfort requirements even when floor areas look similar.

Ask when equipment selection and distribution routing must be coordinated with framing, electrical work, plumbing, and finishes. Keeping these decisions visible early helps the project team address conflicts before access closes and changes become more disruptive.

• Current plans and revision date
• Insulation, windows, and intended room use
• Equipment, duct, return, and drainage locations
• Builder schedule and other-trade responsibilities

Define design assumptions and change responsibilities

The HVAC scope should identify the building information used, the selected equipment, distribution, controls, and installation responsibilities. Ask what happens if the envelope, floor plan, or use of a room changes. A written revision is easier to follow than a design assumption that no longer matches the house.

For a residential project, ask how Manual J load calculations, Manual S equipment selection and Manual D duct design apply to the scope. These design steps should use the current plans and building specifications rather than square footage alone. Builders and designers can send current plans and the construction schedule through the S&S service-request path so coordination starts before framing and rough-in decisions close access.

ENERGY STAR’s installation guidance emphasizes home-specific selection and coordination of airflow and ducts. Ask how those principles are reflected in the proposed project and what verification and owner information will be provided at completion. Do not assume a price based only on square footage describes the finished comfort system.

Sources: ENERGY STAR: HVAC quality installation

Plan handover before the project is finished

Include startup, control orientation, filter information, access needs, registration, and written coverage in the closeout conversation. If more than one system serves the building, have each identified with its model information and the spaces it serves.

Keep the approved changes with the final project documents. The person living in the home should be able to find the operating and maintenance information without reconstructing conversations between the trades.

AC repair in Lake Charles, Moss Bluff, Sulphur and Westlake

S&S accepts repair requests throughout these Southwest Louisiana service areas. Choose your community to review ZIP coverage, local service details and the information to have ready before a visit. The office confirms the complete address, equipment and available appointment.