A new air conditioning system is a significant investment toward improving the comfort of your home. However, many homeowners want to understand the AC process and what’s involved. This piece will cover the stages of AC installation, different AC system types, and more.
AC Installation Stages
There is more to an AC installation than simply installing the equipment. There are essentially three distinct stages of air conditioner installation. Each stage has specific required tasks before the next stage can be started. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Prior to Installation
Before any physical installation is done, assessing and planning are required. A technician will assess your home for its cooling requirements. They will do load calculations and determine what type and size AC unit your home may need. They will also examine any existing ductwork or other HVAC equipment your home might have that will either be incorporated or removed. The technician will also identify ideal spots for both outdoor and indoor equipment installation.
After the assessment, you’ll need to make some AC choices. Using information such as your cooling needs, home layout, and budget, you will decide on your new system type, model, and more. You’ll get a detailed estimate. Any necessary home modifications or other requirements will be shared with you in an outline of the installation process.
During Installation
On the day of the installation, the site will be prepared. The team will clear the area and take measures to protect your home from potential damage. This preparation can include repairing or modifying existing ductwork.
An outdoor unit will be installed. Depending on the type of AC, this outdoor unit is placed securely on a concrete foundation or mounted on your home’s exterior. Technicians will ensure that your outdoor unit has proper clearance around it. This clearance is for maintenance access and proper system airflow.
Depending on the type of AC system you choose, one or more interior units will be installed. Some systems have units installed in different rooms around the home.
After all the main units are installed, the indoor units will be connected to the outdoor unit. The method of doing so will depend on the unit type. Electrical lines will be properly installed to provide power to the units. Refrigerant will be added to the system. Finally, the technician will check the system for leaks, test system performance, check airflow, and more.
After Installation
After the physical installation is done, the process isn’t over. The technician will demonstrate how the new AC system works. They can show you thermostat settings, remote control operation, or smart features, depending on the system type you chose. The technician can also answer any other questions you have about your system or its operation.
At some point after installation, a final inspection of your system will be done to ensure that it meets safety standards and that the work is up to code. Before leaving, the team will do a cleanup of the installation area. They’ll remove the old equipment plus any debris caused by the process and ensure that your home is left in good condition.
Traditional vs. Mini-Split Installations
The process of your installation and how long it takes can vary depending on the type of system that you have installed in your home. The two most common system types are traditional ducted systems and ductless mini-split systems. There are some significant differences between these.
Traditional System
The outdoor unit for a traditional system will typically be larger and placed on a concrete foundation. These systems require ductwork to be installed throughout the home if it isn’t already present. Cool air is blown through the ducts and out vents located in different rooms. These systems can also heat a home if a furnace or heat pump is installed.
Ductless Mini-Split System
Ductless mini-split systems work differently than traditional systems. The outdoor unit is usually smaller. No ductwork is installed, which can make the installation faster and less invasive to the home. Interior blower units will be installed in different zones of the home. Typically, you would install an interior unit in each bedroom, the main living area, and any other rooms that are commonly occupied. These interior units are connected to the outdoor unit with refrigerant lines. Many mini-split systems also include heating capability, eliminating the need for a furnace.
Questions To Ask
Homeowners should be well informed about their AC system and the specific installation process for their home. There are several questions that you should ask. The answers will be specific to your project. Here are some common questions you can ask your HVAC company.
AC Type and Size Needed
You will want to ask about specific recommendations regarding the AC system type and size requirements for your home. They can help you understand the rationale behind why you would choose a certain size or type of unit for the best effectiveness and efficiency.
Installation Steps and Duration
Your installation won’t necessarily be the same as the previous installation of a friend, family member, or neighbor. Different factors can affect the installation process, and each situation is somewhat unique. Ask about the installation timeline and steps involved. Knowing this information can help you prepare for any potential disruptions.
Maintenance Requirements
Different systems have different maintenance requirements. You will want to inquire about the specific maintenance needs of your new system. Check which tasks you can perform yourself and which require scheduled professional maintenance.
Warranties and Guarantees
You will want to ask about warranties for the equipment being installed and any guarantees that the HVAC company offers. Additionally, you will want to check the terms and conditions of your warranty. There will likely be minimum maintenance requirements to keep the warranty in compliance and avoid possible claim denial.
Best Performance Tips for Your New AC
If your new AC is replacing an older cooling system, you should notice an immediate improvement in home comfort and energy efficiency. However, to ensure that your system performs optimally and you maximize the life span of your new equipment, there are some additional things to consider. Tips for the best performance from a new AC include the following.
Routine Maintenance
Regularly maintain your new system. Depending on your system type, your air filters will either need to be changed or cleaned periodically. You also need to schedule professional maintenance to keep your AC operating smoothly.
Insulation and Sealing
To further increase the energy efficiency of your system, your home needs to be insulated well. You need to seal any potential leaks to keep warm air out and cool air in. This includes air leaks in both your home and your ductwork.
Humidity Level Control
Sometimes, the humidity level can increase and make the temperature feel much higher than it is. It’s common for homeowners to turn their AC up too high in an attempt to battle this humidity. This puts unnecessary strain on your system and consumes more energy. Instead, consider installing a dehumidifier to help control the humidity inside your home.
Do you live in San Antonio, TX or the surrounding area and need a new air conditioner installed in your home or business? Rosenberg Plumbing & Air can help. We do new installations, system upgrades, maintenance, and repairs for AC systems. We can also help with heating systems, and we offer a full range of plumbing services. If you want more information about any of our residential or commercial options, don’t hesitate to contact us at Rosenberg Plumbing & Air today!
Tags: AC Installation, AC Replacement