An air conditioning system has several components: a compressor, condenser coil, and evaporator coil to cool your home, a blower to disperse the cooled air, and a thermostat to control the operation. Most people will rely on professional air conditioning installation for the job, but there are some things you can do ahead of time to help ensure the process runs smoothly.
Air conditioning installation begins with an in-home consultation to discuss your cooling needs and determine what kind of unit is best for your home. This will also include a price estimate and an overview of the work that will need to be done. It’s often a good idea to get this step completed before hiring an installer, as it will make the process much smoother regarding paperwork and permits.
Depending on your location, it may be necessary to obtain a permit before starting any work on your air conditioning installation. The local permitting department will let you know the cost, the timelines, and any other requirements you’ll need to meet. Choosing an HVAC company that can handle the entire permitting process for you will reduce the hassle and stress involved and ensure that your project is handled correctly.
On the day of installation, your installation team will arrive and introduce themselves to you. This will not only make you feel more comfortable with the company, but it’s a good way to ensure that everyone is on the same page concerning expectations for the project. They’ll begin by laying down drop cloths to protect your floors and surfaces from debris, and they’ll take this opportunity to prepare the area for work.
Then, they’ll remove the old outdoor unit and place the new one on a pad that will be level with your home’s existing foundation. The pad must be at least as big as the old unit’s footprint to support the weight of the new AC. The new unit will then be connected to the service valves and flanges using a braze and soldering procedure that’s leak-proof.
Finally, the installers will connect your new indoor evaporator coil to the new line set and secure it in place using hangers. A smaller suction line will then be run through the floor joists and up against your trunk line ductwork or a beam, as straight as possible until long radius turns are needed, and it’ll be put into the hangers as well.
Before leaving, your HVAC company will do a thorough evaluation of your ductwork for any issues that need to be addressed, such as leaks and sagging. Leaks and sagging will decrease your new system’s efficiency, while loose ducts will create cold spots in the home and increase energy costs. Your installation package may also include a maintenance plan, which will ensure that your AC continues to operate properly for its full lifespan. This will be beneficial for your energy bills and for the comfort of your family.