Improper installation can cause damage to the air conditioning system itself, costing you even more in repairs! So how do you dodge those bullets? In this article, discover what is involved in a new AC installation and how it’s done right.
DIY or Done by a Pro?
DIY or Done by a Pro?If you want your air conditioner installed correctly, you need to have it done by a company with experience and knowledge. You might think that you can handle any DIY project after building that massive entertainment center from IKEA, but air conditioners are a whole new level of difficulty. If you are trying to cut corners and save yourself money but have never installed an air conditioner system before, this is not the time to wing it.
It’s so hard that sometimes, even the experts mess up! But when you have a professional take care of your new ac installation, they have insurance that will cover any damage done.
You don’t.
Manufacturers will also honor their warranties when an experienced contractor has taken care of the installation process, but most will not do so when the project has been completed by you. If you want peace of mind that your AC unit is protected against factory defects, you’ll need a pro.
Before You Buy an AC Unit
When you need a new air conditioner, after you figure out who will install it, the next biggest decision is what unit is best for you because size really does matter. If it’s too small it will not be able to keep your entire home cool, and if it’s too big, it won’t handle humidity properly.
Choosing the right AC depends on the square footage of your living space and how well ventilated and insulated the building is. Heat and cooling loss is a factor that most laymen don’t take into consideration, but it could mean the difference between an underperforming AC unit and one that is doing its job exactly as it should.
What is Involved in a New AC Installation?
Installing a new air conditioning properly involves a lot of steps that can’t be skipped. The last thing you want to do is sacrifice the quality and performance of your home cooling system. To help you to understand the complexity of this project, we have outlined 7 major focuses that could be the difference between a good and bad installation job.
1. Install or replace the electrical disconnect and whip
These are located outside. These should always be replaced when a new unit is installed.
An air conditioner can last 10 to 15 years in Florida, and that means the disconnect box and wires are just as old, if not older. Not removing pre-existing electrical disconnect and whip can be a serious fire hazard.
When the new electrical components are installed, they should be sealed well to protect them from the elements. Water and electricity do not mix well. You want to keep them as separate as possible by sealing with silicone.
2. Upholding code requirements
You can’t put an AC unit wherever you want to. There are code requirements based on your location that determine where an HVAC system can be installed on a residential or commercial property. This is for the sake of safety, maintenance, and repair.
3. Level out the ground with gravel or rock
When the condenser unit is being installed, it needs to be placed on a hard, level foundation. To do this, many professionals lay a fresh layer of small rocks to layout a flat and even area. Leaving a small slope away from the house steers condensation away from the building, protecting it from moisture.
4. Adding refrigerant
You do not want to mix two different refrigerants together. If the refrigerant is different between your old model and new model, the refrigerant lines will need to be flushed. Only then can a new refrigerant be added.
Variables like coil size and line set will determine what range the refrigerant should be in. If it isn’t in the most optimal level, the performance of the air conditioning unit will be reduced. Even though many AC units come pre-charged, they still might need to be filled slightly.
5. Braze the copper lines
Having the right equipment is essential to installing your AC unit correctly. Among the gear that an air conditioning installation expert will carry with them is a torch. After connecting the refrigerant to the new air conditioner, the copper pipes should be carefully joined by brazing with a torch.
6. Air handler installation
7. Ductwork replacement cues
If you are experiencing hot zones in your house where cool air struggles to reach or rooms where vents don’t exist at all, then you will need new ductwork. If you’re happy with the air circulation that you currently have, then you should be fine.
New AC Installation Near Me
Now that you understand what it takes to install a new air conditioner correctly, you might be wondering who you can trust for the job.
The award-winning professionals at Action Air Conditioning can help you to select and install the best AC unit for your budget and needs. We even have a showroom in Tampa Bay, Florida so that you can browse and discuss your options with experts.
Get in touch with us and tap into over 30 years of experience in the heating and cooling industry!