HVAC

Air Conditioning Installation – Why It’s Important to Hire a Pro

Professional installation teams ensure that your new AC equipment fits properly and operates according to manufacturers’ specifications. They double-check all connections, piping, and electrical wiring. Contact Air Conditioning Installation Milford OH for professional help.

Air Conditioning Installation

If your system is replacing an existing air conditioner, it will drain and recover refrigerant and close the circuit breaker. Any team member handling refrigerant must have an EPA certification.

If your current air conditioning system is old enough – say 10 to 15 years or even older – then it’s probably high time to consider replacing it. This is because AC systems become less and less efficient over the years, leading to higher energy bills or frequent breakdowns. In the beginning, it’s important to closely evaluate your existing setup. This will help you determine whether it’s really time for a new air conditioner or if some minor repairs are more than just necessary.

During the assessment, technicians must also check your building’s ductwork to make sure that it is properly insulated. This helps to reduce heat loss and maximize the effectiveness of your cooling unit. A professional will use a thermometer to measure the temperature difference between supply and return air ducts at different points in your home. The exact amount of difference that signifies a well-functioning AC may vary from one expert to another, but typically it is about 20 degrees.

Next, the technicians should take note of any other factors that will influence the performance of your new AC. For example, if you live in a townhouse or condo and there are other units nearby that can affect the efficiency of your own air conditioning system, this will need to be taken into consideration. In addition, it’s worth mentioning to your technician about any other electrical or plumbing systems that might be affected by the installation of your new air conditioner.

The installation team should also make sure that the window frame and window where your new AC unit will be installed is large enough to accommodate it. It’s also important to ensure that there isn’t anything blocking it, such as a fire escape window or another exit.

The technicians will then check that the power supply is capable of supporting the new air conditioning unit’s electricity consumption, which may involve adding an additional circuit or upgrading the main switchboard. They should also check that the area where the new unit will be placed has sufficient room to allow for duct runs, refrigerant lines and wiring.

Preparation

Air conditioning installation is a complex project that requires professional training and certification. In addition to installing new AC equipment, professional installers also run any necessary electrical and plumbing lines. It is important to hire a licensed contractor for this service, as failure to do so could result in delays or even damage during the HVAC system installation process.

Before your air conditioner is installed, the technician should evaluate your home and determine what size unit you will need. This step is extremely important to ensure that your new AC unit is the right fit for your home, and will provide you with years of cool comfort. The most common type of AC system is the traditional split system, which consists of an indoor and outdoor unit connected by ducts that distribute cool air throughout your home. If you are interested in a more efficient option, you may choose a ductless mini-split system, which uses individual blowers to control the cooling of specific rooms.

It is also very important to clear a path for your new HVAC system. You will need to move any furniture, toys, rugs or decorations that may be in the way of the contractor’s path, in order to avoid any property damage or accidents while they are working. It is recommended that you clear a path to the attic, if your indoor unit will be housed there, as well as to the outside of your home.

In addition, it is highly recommended that you have your ductwork cleaned before the installation, so the technicians can work with a clean, contaminant-free environment. A Mode technician can recommend a reputable company to clean your ducts, which will not only improve the air quality in your home but also help your new AC system perform its best.

It is also a good idea to make arrangements for children and pets on the day of the air conditioning installation, as they can pose safety hazards and distractions. Pets should be crated to avoid running away, and children should be kept away from the job site as they could get injured by any equipment or tools.

Installation

Every air conditioning system has a shelf life, and when that point is reached, it makes more sense to replace an old or inefficient unit than to continue repairing one. This is when hiring a professional for a new AC installation becomes an excellent investment in your comfort. A professional who follows industry-standard guidelines can ensure your new equipment is properly installed to the manufacturers’ specifications and that you experience minimal service issues in the future.

Prior to the day of your installation, a reputable HVAC Company will give you a call or text letting you know when they’ll arrive. This allows you to plan ahead and be ready when they arrive, and it also gives you a chance to meet the team members that will be in your home working on your installation. Ideally, each member should introduce themselves and explain the work they will be doing for you, so you feel comfortable with them in your home.

Once the installation crew arrives at your house, they will uncrate and check for any damage to the new outdoor unit before removing it from the container. They will then prepare the mounting site by ensuring that it is free of pipes, wires and other obstructions. The location should have a sturdy wall that can support the weight of the unit and be at least 3.3 feet away from power lines and electrical wiring used by TV antennas, intercoms, or telephones. The mounting site should be a level area, and it must be securely fastened to the structure of your home with metal brackets or interior angles.

The installers will then install the new line set for suction and liquid lines. The soft copper is secured to hangers that are affixed to the inside of the wall, and the piping is then pushed through a hole drilled in the band board to reach the service valve on the indoor unit. The line set is then brazed or welded to the service valve for a leak-free connection.

After the installation is complete, the air conditioner will be lowered into place and screwed into the window frame. If necessary, the installers will affix an L-shaped bracket to connect the bottom window sash to the top window sash to prevent the window from accidentally opening and damaging your new AC unit.

Testing

When the HVAC pro arrives to install your new AC system, they’ll start with a visual inspection of the outside unit. They’ll check the condition of the condenser fan and motor and evaluate the refrigerant level. If they have to refill the refrigerant, they’ll talk to you about the best options (the popular R-22 Freon is now banned). They’ll also inspect all electrical connections and wiring and assess efficiency by measuring voltage and amp draws.

The ductwork will be tested by placing a thermometer inside the supply and return air ducts at different points in your home. This ensures that the ducts are not restrictive and that there are no issues with their placement. Once the ductwork has been properly tested, your installer will install hangers around the area that the refrigeration lines pass through and roll them out, making sure to leave enough space for future maintenance.

Once the installation is completed, the ductwork and electrical connections will be tested again. They’ll also add the proper amount of refrigerant, based on manufacturer specifications. Your technician should make sure that your thermostat is correctly connected to the new system, and that it can read the temperature accurately.

After testing the new system, your HVAC professional will turn it on and run it for up to 20 minutes. During this time, they’ll test the sequence of operation, thermostat function, and many other aspects of the new AC.

Air conditioning installation is a complex process that requires specialized training and equipment. Be sure to choose a company that’s experienced in the field and takes its work seriously. Ask about the education, apprenticeship and licensing requirements of their technicians, and make sure they are familiar with current electrical code and have a G2 license if working on gas systems. In addition, they should be trained to handle R-410A refrigerant and understand the complexities of proper ductwork design. A properly installed, well-tested AC system will provide comfort all year round and reduce energy bills by delivering optimum efficiency.