Air conditioning installation is an important step to getting comfortable all year round. A properly installed AC system will be energy efficient, cost effective and provide comfort all year.
There are two main types of air conditioners available; ductless and ducted systems. A ducted system is the standard in most homes, involving an outdoor unit for the compressor and ductwork running through your home to distribute cool air to each room. This type of air conditioning requires a substantial investment and takes time to install, but it provides the best home cooling for large houses and multi-story homes.
The other option is a ductless mini-split system. This system is gaining popularity, especially for homeowners that want to keep their home energy efficient and avoid duct work. The indoor units can be wall mounted or concealed in ceilings depending on the space available. This system is quicker to install than a ducted system and does not require a large investment.
If you opt for a ductless air conditioner, the first step is to determine how big of an indoor unit you need to meet your cooling needs. Your licensed HVAC contractor can help you figure this out by asking you a series of questions and taking your square footage into consideration. Once you know how many BTUs your new system will need, your contractor can recommend an air conditioner size to accommodate that space.
Once the size of your new air conditioner has been determined, it’s time to order it. Most companies will allow you to pick up your AC unit or, if they can’t deliver it right away, will ship it to you. This may require an additional fee, so ask about this before you finalize your order.
Prior to the day of your AC installation, you should be contacted by your contractor to let you know they’re on their way. This gives you the opportunity to verify they have all the necessary information and to discuss any special requirements for your project, such as a permit or other paperwork.
Your installer will then take steps to prepare for the installation, such as locating a suitable area to put the indoor unit and making sure there are electrical connections nearby. They will also remove the existing air conditioning system, including disconnecting any electrical wiring. If your new system requires a refrigerant connection, any existing refrigerant must be recovered and disposed of safely.
During the actual air conditioning installation, your technician will connect all the needed piping and wiring and test your system to ensure it works properly. They will then add refrigerant as per manufacturer specifications. If you purchased a new thermostat, your installer will connect it to the air conditioning system and make any necessary programming changes.
If you’ve chosen a ducted system, your installer will check the ducts for proper sealing and connections, and they will install or repair any damaged ducts. Then, they will connect the copper piping and power cable from the outdoor unit to the indoor evaporator coil in your home, using flare nuts as directed by the instructions manual. This is usually done by hand, unless long radius turns or bends are required, in which case a machine will be used to perform the installation.