Our Process
The Right Way to Do HVAC
Most companies rush through installs to get to the next job. We take the time to do it properly — because your comfort and your wallet depend on it.
The Truth
Here’s the Truth About the HVAC Industry
Here’s something most HVAC companies won’t tell you: a huge number of residential HVAC systems are installed incorrectly. Industry studies estimate that over half of all systems are either the wrong size for the home, improperly charged with refrigerant, or installed with airflow issues. That means the system works harder than it should, your energy bills are higher than they need to be, and the equipment wears out years before it should.
Why does this happen? Because doing it right takes time. A proper install requires measurements, calculations, and attention to detail that a lot of companies skip to save an hour or two on the job. Some companies send a salesperson to your house who eyeballs the space, picks a system size based on a rough guess, and gives you a quote on the spot. That’s not how engineering works — and your HVAC system is an engineered system.
At True North, we follow the process that equipment manufacturers and building codes actually require. We perform real load calculations. We size the system to your specific home. We verify airflow, check refrigerant charge, and make sure every connection is sealed and secure. It takes a little longer. But the result is a system that runs efficiently, keeps you comfortable, and lasts the way it’s supposed to.
50%+
of HVAC systems are installed with issues
Wrong size, incorrect refrigerant charge, or airflow problems
10–20%
efficiency loss from improper installation
Higher energy bills every month, year after year
7 vs 15
years — lifespan of a bad install vs. a good one
Proper installation can nearly double equipment life
System Sizing
Manual J Load Calculation — The Most Important Step Most Companies Skip
A Manual J heat load calculation is basically a scientific measurement of how much heating and cooling your specific home needs. Instead of guessing based on square footage — which is what most companies do — we factor in everything that affects how your home gains and loses heat. The result is the exact system size your home needs. Not too big. Not too small. Just right.
Here’s what we actually measure:
Square Footage & Layout
The size and shape of your home, including ceiling heights, number of floors, and room layout.
Insulation Levels
How well your walls, attic, and crawlspace are insulated. Older Atlanta homes often have much less insulation than newer builds.
Ductwork Condition & Layout
The length, size, and condition of your existing ductwork. Leaky or undersized ducts can waste 20–30% of your system’s output.
Number of Occupants
People generate heat. A home with 6 people has different needs than a home with 2.
Orientation & Sun Exposure
Which direction your home faces and how much direct sunlight hits different areas throughout the day.
Local Climate Data
Atlanta-specific temperature and humidity data. Our summers are brutal and our humidity is no joke — the system needs to handle both.
Why does this matter for your wallet?
What Happens When It's Guessed (Oversized System)
- System turns on and off constantly (called short cycling)
- Doesn’t run long enough to remove humidity — your home feels clammy even when it’s cold
- Wears out components faster from all the start/stop cycles
- You paid more for a bigger system you didn’t need
- Higher energy bills because the system is inefficient at partial loads
What Happens When It's Calculated Properly
- System runs in longer, more efficient cycles
- Removes humidity properly — your home feels genuinely comfortable
- Components last longer with less stress
- You pay for the right size — not bigger than necessary
- Lower energy bills and more even temperatures throughout the house
An oversized system isn’t better. It’s like putting a fire hose on a garden — technically more powerful, but it doesn’t do the job well and makes a mess.
Code Compliance
Every Install Meets Code. Here's Why That Matters.
Building codes exist to protect you. They set minimum standards for safety, efficiency, and proper workmanship. When an HVAC system is installed ‘to code,’ it means every aspect of the installation meets the standards set by local and state authorities. Sounds obvious, right? You’d be surprised how many installations cut corners. We follow these standards on every job.
Proper Electrical Connections
Your HVAC system needs dedicated electrical circuits with the right wire gauge, proper disconnects, and correct breaker sizing. Improper wiring is a safety hazard and a code violation — but it’s one of the most common shortcuts.
Correct Refrigerant Line Sizing
The copper lines that carry refrigerant between your indoor and outdoor units need to be the exact diameter specified by the manufacturer. Too small and the system can’t move enough refrigerant. Too large and oil doesn’t return properly. Both cause premature failure. We use the manufacturer’s specifications every time — not whatever copper the last company left on the truck.
Proper Condensate Drainage
Your AC system produces water as it removes humidity from your air. That water needs to drain safely — with the right slope, proper trap, and a secondary drain or float switch to prevent overflow. A bad condensate setup leads to water damage, mold, and thousands in repairs. We install it right.
Manufacturer-Specified Clearances
Every piece of equipment has required clearances — minimum distances from walls, other equipment, and combustible materials. These exist for safety, airflow, and future service access. We follow them to the letter.
Proper Flue & Venting (Gas Systems)
Gas furnaces produce combustion gases that need to be safely vented out of your home. Incorrect venting can lead to carbon monoxide exposure — which is potentially fatal. We verify proper flue sizing, pitch, and material on every gas system.
Attention to Detail
The Small Things That Separate a Good Install from a Bad One
Proper Refrigerant Charge
After installation, we weigh in the exact amount of refrigerant the manufacturer specifies — down to the ounce. Overcharging or undercharging refrigerant reduces efficiency by 10–20% and can damage the compressor. We don’t eyeball it.
Airflow Verification
We measure actual airflow across the indoor coil to confirm it matches the system’s design specifications. Incorrect airflow is one of the top causes of comfort complaints and premature equipment failure — and one of the most commonly skipped steps.
Sealed Duct Connections
Every duct connection is mechanically fastened and sealed with mastic or approved tape. Not the cheap stuff that falls off in two years — actual HVAC-grade sealant. Leaky ducts waste energy and make rooms uncomfortable.
Thermostat Calibration & Setup
We don’t just slap the thermostat on the wall. We verify it’s reading accurately, configure the settings for your specific system, set up Wi-Fi if applicable, and walk you through how to use it.
System Commissioning
Before we leave, we run the full system through a complete startup sequence. We check temperature differential across the coil, verify the system is heating/cooling within spec, listen for abnormal sounds, and confirm everything is operating as designed.
Cleanup & Walkthrough
We clean up our workspace, dispose of old equipment, and walk you through what we did, how your system works, and what to expect. We don’t disappear — we make sure you’re comfortable with everything before we leave.
Be Informed
Questions Worth Asking (Even If It's Not Us)
We want you to make the best decision for your home — even if you don’t choose us. Before you hire any HVAC company, ask them these questions:
Our answers to every one of these questions? Yes, yes, and yes.
Ask us anything — we're an open book.
Compare
The True North Way vs. The Typical Way
| True North Comfort Solutions | Typical HVAC Company | |
|---|---|---|
| System Sizing | Manual J load calculation | Guessed from square footage |
| Refrigerant Charge | Weighed to manufacturer spec | Estimated by pressure readings |
| Airflow | Measured and verified | Rarely checked |
| Duct Connections | Mechanically fastened + mastic sealed | Taped with basic duct tape |
| Electrical | Dedicated circuits, proper sizing | Whatever’s convenient |
| Condensate Drainage | Proper trap, slope, safety switch | Basic drain line |
| System Commissioning | Full startup test + performance verification | “Seems to be working” |
| Post-Install | Walkthrough + follow-up call | Gone to the next job |
| Pricing | Published online, written estimate before work | “We’ll let you know when we get there” |
| Labor Warranty | 1-year on all repairs | Varies or none |
Ready to Work with a Company That Does It Right?
Schedule your free estimate. We’ll assess your home properly, size your system correctly, give you a written price, and answer every question you have. No pressure, no shortcuts.