An air conditioner isn’t just a fancy add-on to contemporary properties. It’s an indispensable necessity, especially during hot and humid weather.
Air conditioners can make your indoor living space habitable during summer’s excruciating heat. However, the efficiency of these appliances depends on proper installation. And while it may be tempting to set up an air conditioner by yourself, enlisting professional assistance can help avoid common DIY AC installation mistakes.
We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to air conditioner installation to inform you of what to expect during the process.
1. Initial Home Evaluation
Before installing AC units, air conditioning companies Ocala, FL, will typically visit your home and perform comprehensive site evaluations. The objective is to understand the property’s layout and the type of existing ductwork.
An air conditioner company will require this information to recommend the best AC unit for your home, while familiarizing itself with expected installation challenges.
Besides, findings from initial home assessments will enable the contractor to issue a quote commensurate with the job scope.
2. Removal of Old AC Unit
This step isn’t necessary for new properties. But if your current air conditioner has seen better days and you reckon it’s time to replace it, you’ll need to remove the old system to clear room for a new one.
A professional air conditioning company will carefully dismount the old unit, taking care not to damage adjacent electrical connections. The contractor will then clean up debris resulting from the removal process and shield off the surrounding area from the elements.
Some companies may further assist in disposing of your older AC unit. Depending on the appliance’s condition, the AC technician may recommend selling, recycling, or trashing it.
3. Shopping For a Replacement Unit
It’s possible to shop for a replacement air conditioner before contacting an AC installation company. That’s especially if you’re replacing the AC unit with a similar brand and model.
However, wait until the older system is removed if you plan on replacing it with a newer one.
You could leverage your AC contractor’s expertise to hone in on your home’s proper air conditioning unit. Typically, the choice depends on the property’s size and layout, energy efficiency requirements, available ductwork, budgetary considerations, and maintenance plan.
4. Scoping for Efficiency Challenges
Although an air conditioning company already performed preliminary evaluations of your property’s AC system, more in-depth inspections are necessary to identify issues that could impede the equipment’s efficiency.
The best time for such check-ups is before installing the new AC unit.
Extensive inspections may uncover air duct leaks and structural issues around the installation site. To make the most of your new AC unit, you must fix such problems before installing the appliance.
5. Conducting Final Preparations
Some touch-ups are necessary before installing a new air conditioning system. As for the scale of prion, that would depend primarily on the structural and functional differences between the new and old appliances.
In most cases, an AC installation contractor will need to level out the surface sunk by the older appliance. They’ll also set a pad to protect the appliance from moisture and pest damage.
If you’re installing an outdoor AC unit, excess shrubbery and other obstructions around the installation site will have to be removed as well.
6. Undertaking Actual Installation
With the site adequately prepared, it’s time to bring the new AC unit in.
First, your AC installation technician will install new ductwork and electrical connections. All connections must be compatible with the new AC system.
The company will then add refrigerant to the new air conditioning unit following the manufacturer’s specifications.
Next comes the installation of the cased evaporator coils and the condensate drains.
Thereafter, the AC specialist will connect copper lines, preferably every 4 – 6 feet, for optimal stability. They’ll then attach service valves to the unit, enabling you to safely administer refrigerant during routine AC maintenance.
The installation process should be complete once the disconnect box is attached and the entire system secured using the provided mechanism. But before this critical final step, the installation contractor will test the new appliance to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Note: This step largely applies to outdoor air conditioning units.
7. Setting up The Thermostat
New air conditioners typically come with new thermostats. According to research, thermostats can significantly impact your AC’s energy consumption.
If your new air conditioning system came with a thermostat, the device will be set up as part of Step (vi) above. However, if you reuse your older thermostat, your AC technician will ensure proper connections between the thermostat and the new air conditioning unit.
One glaring drawback to keeping an older thermostat is that it may be incompatible with your newer AC model. Incompatibility could lead to costly repairs from frequent breakdowns.
While you can install an AC thermostat independently, having the device set up and configured on the same day you’re replacing an older AC unit is better. This will ensure you have a compatible thermostat from the get-go and prevent you from incurring additional installation fees.
Boosting Your AC Longevity With Pro Installation and Maintenance
Air conditioner installation is best left to professionals. Whether you’ve moved into a new house or are considering replacing your old AC unit, insist on working with an experienced AC technician.
Besides ensuring proper air conditioner installation, ongoing maintenance can further enhance your AC’s efficiency and longevity.
