Air Conditioning Installation can be a messy job. While a good team of tradesmen will do everything possible to minimize dust in your home, it is always best to cover valuable items and move furniture out of the way before the crew arrives.
Air conditioning contractors should be able to explain the process, including whether other household systems will be affected and how long it might take. They should also have the correct qualifications and licensing to work with refrigerant.
There is an enormous range of air conditioners available on the market. You’ll have to choose one that suits your home, budget and energy efficiency requirements. Your local Carrier comfort expert can help you find the best unit for your property. They’ll perform an assessment, recommend equipment and costs and provide a comprehensive quote. You’ll want to ask them about summertime humidity control and whether your new AC will qualify for rebates.
They’ll also advise you on energy efficiency, sound levels and whether they’re capable of delivering the cooling capacity you need. Ideally, you’ll choose a unit with an SEER rating that reflects the current state of energy efficiency regulations.
If you have existing ductwork, a domestic or split system will likely be the most cost-effective option. These systems consist of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit connected by pipes that pass refrigerant between them. They’re generally easier to maintain than single room air conditioners, and they allow you to cool multiple rooms at once.
It’s important to choose an outdoor unit that is installed in a shaded area. This helps to reduce running costs by reducing the amount of sun on the unit. It should also be located away from plants and trees, as dry leaves can block the airflow and lead to reduced efficiency.
An efficient, properly-installed air conditioning system adds value to your home and can significantly improve the comfort of your family’s living environment. A poor installation job, however, can suck thousands of dollars out of your wallet over its lifetime and cost you a great deal of comfort. That’s why it’s essential to hire a professional with the right training.
Preparing the Ductwork
Ducts are the passages through which air passes from your indoor cooling equipment into rooms, and then back to the unit. They are a critical component of the whole system, so they deserve special attention to ensure your comfort and safety. If you have old, leaky or poorly designed ducts, they can waste energy, reduce your indoor air quality, and make it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature.
To avoid problems, it’s important to have your ductwork inspected before you buy an air conditioning installation. The ductwork must be correctly sized for the new equipment, and all connections must be tightened and sealed. Leaks can also compromise your indoor air quality, and they should be fixed as soon as you notice them.
When evaluating prospective contractors, ask about their ductwork planning and design process. The best ones will use industry-standard methods to calculate cooling requirements for your home. These include a detailed analysis of each room’s size, sun exposure, and insulation. Be wary of contractors that rely on guesswork or shortcuts, which may not produce satisfactory results.
Once the ductwork is in place, it should be sealed with mastic or foil tape. This is an important step to prevent leaks, which can add up to 20% to your energy bills and reduce the efficiency of your new system.
You should also have your ductwork cleaned before your AC installation. This will help your new system work more efficiently and improve your home’s air quality. Your Mode technician can recommend a reputable service.
The location of the air handler and outdoor unit is also important for proper operation. If you have an attic, the air handler can go there, or it can be mounted on a stand in your basement. If you have a basement or crawl space, the equipment must be located in an area that is accessible and free of obstructions.
Depending on the scope of your project, crew members may need to move furniture and clear pathways to access areas where they need to make repairs or modifications. This can prolong the completion of the project and should be considered in your scheduling plans.
Installation
Once you have decided on the right air conditioning unit for your home, a professional installer will take the time to properly install it. This will ensure optimal performance, reducing energy consumption and ensuring your comfort for years to come.
Your home’s square footage and your desired level of cooling will determine the size of system you need, which in turn will influence your installation costs. A reputable professional will consider many factors, including the number of windows, insulation levels, and the amount of shade. They will then advise you on the best AC options for your property, taking into account the types of systems that have proven to be reliable in similar homes.
It is important that your new system is properly sized to ensure efficiency and performance. An undersized unit will work harder to cool your home, consuming more energy in the process. An oversized unit may short cycle or overheat, resulting in costly repairs and frequent maintenance visits. During the AC installation process, the technician will measure your home to ensure that your new system is the right fit.
The outside unit should be placed in a shady area to avoid overheating the compressor, which can impact its lifespan and cause premature wear. The air conditioner should also be kept away from dust, grass, and other debris that could affect its operation.
A professionally installed HVAC system will be backed by a warranty that will cover the repair or replacement of parts and labor. Choosing a professional company with extensive experience in the field will ensure that you have peace of mind, knowing that any concerns or issues will be addressed quickly and at little cost to you.
While it is tempting to cut corners when installing an air conditioning system, the truth is that doing so can have serious consequences for your home’s safety and comfort. Look for a company with a great track record of customer satisfaction and ask about their educational, apprenticeship, and licensing requirements. The right team will have the appropriate safety training to work with high-voltage electrical wiring and R-410A refrigerant. In addition, they should have a G2 Gasfitter 2nd Class license to ensure their work is done safely and efficiently.
Commissioning
HVAC commissioning is a critical process that involves testing and adjusting a new heating and cooling system to ensure it is operating correctly. This step should only be performed by certified, licensed technicians. A properly commissioned HVAC system can save you money and help to keep your building’s occupants comfortable.
During the commissioning process, a technician will perform a visual inspection of the entire system before turning it on. He will check the ductwork for proper size and insulation, and verify that all of the electrical wiring is secure and has been terminated correctly. He will also test all of the air flow rates to make sure that they are meeting industry standards.
In addition, the commissioning process will include a complete check of the system’s controls and automation systems to make sure that they are functioning as intended. Finally, the air balancer will be adjusted to ensure that all of the supply, return, and exhaust devices are delivering the correct amount of air to each room.
The primary reason for commissioning an HVAC system is to optimize energy efficiency. By optimizing temperature control and airflow rates, HVAC systems can save significant amounts of energy.
Another benefit of commissioning is that it can catch problems with a new HVAC system before they escalate into issues that disrupt building operations or compromise safety. In addition, it can detect any problems that would have been difficult or impossible to spot during the installation process.
A third reason why commissioning is important is that it provides a fresh set of eyes for the installers. After working with heavy, complicated equipment in tight spaces like scorching hot attics and dark musty crawlspaces for hours on end, the installers can become fatigued and may overlook something during the commissioning process. It is important to have a senior team member take over the commissioning process during this phase of an air conditioning installation so that there are no surprises down the road.
By taking the time to complete the commissioning process for an HVAC system, you can rest assured that it will be running as efficiently and safely as possible. If you have questions about commissioning or would like to learn more, contact us today.
