If you’re planning on installing an air conditioner in your home, there are a few things you should know before you get started. Ultimately, a quality AC installation can add a measurable amount of value to your home and improve your comfort, health, productivity, energy levels, and more.
Installing a new air conditioning system can be a challenging project, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple steps, you can get started and start cooling your home in no time.
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Cost
AC installation costs vary widely, depending on the type of system you need and the size of your home. It’s important to consider all costs and choose a system that fits your budget and lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a new AC system, start by getting at least three quotes from local HVAC companies. Ask each for itemized prices that include the equipment, labor and warranty terms.
Costs can also depend on the size of your home, the AC unit you want to purchase and whether or not your house has existing ductwork. If your home doesn’t have ductwork, you’ll need to hire an HVAC contractor to install it.
Your new AC system should have a SEER rating of at least 13-20 to be energy-efficient. This will reduce your utility bills and help save the environment.
You should also choose a unit that has a high BTU capacity, which is the measure of how many cooling units it can use per hour. This will ensure your home is cooled effectively and comfortably.
A central AC unit requires electricity from a hard-wired, dedicated circuit with a standard 240-volt connection. It also needs 15 to 60 amps of power, depending on its size. If your home doesn’t have the required electrical circuit, you’ll need to have an electrician install one.
Having a new central air conditioning system installed is a major investment, and you don’t want to overspend. However, it can be a great way to increase your home’s value and add comfort during hot weather.
Once you’ve decided on the size of your new AC system, make sure to get a quote from an HVAC pro. They will perform a Manual J Load calculation and determine the ideal AC size for your home.
Then, your professional installer will determine the best placement for your new system, usually in the attic or basement. They’ll also install any drain lines and connect the unit to the electrical circuit.
Once the installation is complete, your AC will be ready to cool your home! Don’t forget to schedule an inspection to ensure the work was done properly and that your new system is functioning as expected.
Time
The time it takes to install an air conditioner depends on a number of factors. These include the scale of the replacement, the size of your home, and any complicating factors that may arise.
The first step is to schedule a time for the installation with an HVAC contractor. They will come to your home to inspect the existing system and make an estimate. The inspection is important because it helps them determine the size of the unit you need. It also allows them to see any issues with your ductwork, insulation, or electrical panel.
They will then go over the options available for you and let you know what kind of AC system is best for your home. For example, they may recommend a split-system if you want to cool more than one room.
Once they have your approval, they will then start installing the new AC. This process usually takes around four to eight hours, depending on the complexity of the job and the size of your home.
During this time, it is very important to keep your children and pets away from the area in which the technicians are working. This makes the installation much easier and quicker.
You should also clear your yard of any branches or plants that could block the condenser from getting airflow. This will ensure your unit operates properly.
This will also help keep your home looking clean and neat when the installation is complete. In addition, the technicians will be able to do their work in a clutter-free space.
There are also a few other preparations that you can do in advance of the AC installation to speed up the process. These include removing any old air conditioning units from your home and clearing any debris around the area where the technician will be working.
Another good idea is to put up a fence or wall around the area where your AC is going to be installed. This will prevent unauthorized people from trespassing and help keep the area clean during the installation.
You can also ask your HVAC contractors if they offer maintenance plans for their customers. This can be a great way to help you keep your HVAC system in good working order and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Preparation
When you’re ready to replace your home’s old air conditioning system, it’s important to have the right tools and equipment on hand. This will help you to install your new AC unit properly and safely.
Luckily, your new AC system will probably come with an installation manual that provides you with all the necessary steps. This will save you both time and money on a new installation by eliminating the guesswork.
Before you even get to the installation, you will need to clear out the area where the new unit is going to be placed. This will include removing any branches, garden hoses, patio furniture and other items that may get in the way of the job. You might also want to take the time to move any heavy or fragile objects that you can to a safer location.
While you’re at it, make sure to pick a spot that will be easy for the technicians to access. They’ll need space for their tools, the ac unit and the line set that will connect it all together.
The ac company of your choice will likely have a tool box that contains all of the tools needed for your new air conditioner’s installation. These might include drills, hammers, ratchets and wrenches.
The ac company of your choice should have a well-stocked toolbox that includes everything from the simplest screwdrivers to the most complex wrenches, and they may be happy to loan you the necessary tools. They can even help you pick out the ac system that is best for your needs and your budget. It’s a good idea to ask your new ac contractor for a few recommendations before you make your final decision.
The Day of Installation
A good HVAC contractor will do all that he or she can to make your new system installation as painless as possible. That means removing the old unit, cleaning the area around it, and testing the entire ductwork to make sure there are no leaks or other issues.
Once the old AC is gone, the new one will be slid onto the pad and leveled. It is then attached to the furnace, where it will be able to cool the house effectively.
It is important to choose a contractor that will provide a detailed estimate for your air conditioning replacement project. This should include calculating the cooling requirements for each room in your home, including the ductwork that will carry the air.
You should also ask for a copy of the plans for the ductwork. This will allow you to see if the contractor is using industry-standard methods when calculating your cooling needs, and it will help you avoid problems down the road.
If your ductwork is dirty or in poor condition, it will be impossible for the HVAC technician to install your new system. Clean and reseal your ductwork before the new unit is installed, or have it replaced entirely.
Before the installers arrive, clear a path from the front door to the room or rooms where they will be installing the new AC. This will reduce the risk of property damage and accidents, and it will also make it easier for them to work in space.
Next, the contractor will check to make sure that all electrical lines are connected to the new unit and the proper outlet is available. If they need to reroute or relocate any of these lines, they will need the right permits.
After all the work is done, they will inspect and test the new AC unit to make sure it is operating correctly. They may also inspect and replace the thermostat, if you have one.
Generally, an AC installation should take a few hours to a day or more, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the job. It is best to schedule the installation on a weekend or a day that is not extremely hot.
