When the time comes to install an air-conditioning unit for family comfort during the hot months, the homeowner must decide whether to purchase and install the air conditioning unit themselves or go to an HVAC company and have experts install the air conditioning equipment. This decision must be driven by the homeowner’s budget and skill level. Mistakes can be costly. Since wiring and plumbing might be involved, many homeowners choose to leave this job to professionals.
Hire a Professional HVAC Company
The easiest, safest way to get the house air conditioned for summer is to contact a company such as blairsair.com and have them inspect the home and suggest different possible air conditioning systems for the home. They can then give the homeowner quotes on different units and their installation. Choose a company that is licensed and insured with satisfaction guarantees. Check the company website for information and customer ratings and comments. Check with the local Better Business Bureau. It doesn’t hurt to get two or three bids and then choose the company that will best meet family needs.
Consider These 13 Mistakes People Make Installing Air conditioners
Before considering installing your own air conditioning unit, learn how to properly do the job by reading how-to books or watching online tutorials. Choose a system that lends itself to homeowner installation and comes with complete installation instructions. If the homeowner is hiring an installation company, make sure they avoid these serious installation mistakes. Air conditioning installation mistakes can be made doing the work one’s self or hiring the wrong installer.
1. Purchasing the wrong size air conditioning unit for the home. The size unit needed depends on the size of the house and the number of people living there. The room or home area should match the BTU or the British thermal power unit listed on the system. The unit capacity or strength should also match the size space to be cooled. A guide is that the cooling power should equal 2000 BTUs for every 50 square meters.
2. Mistakes with electrical wiring during the installation can affect the working of the air conditioner and can be dangerous. There should not be any exposed wires. This is where a qualified heating and cooling technician or licensed electrician must be used. The unit’s manufacturer’s warranty can be voided if a professional does not do the wiring.
3. Not enough insulation on the refrigerant suction line or improperly installed insulation will affect the efficiency of the unit. It is also important to check the system for coolant levels and leaks. A leak can cause health problems for those living in the home and also adversely affect the efficiency of the system, costing more in electric bills. Do not assume a new unit will not have leaks because it could have been damaged in shipping or during the installation process. The correct refrigerant charge is also important.
4. The suction line should not have right angles because this causes too much resistance and makes the air conditioning unit work harder to achieve the correct amount of cooling.
5. In both split and wall air conditioning units, there must be enough space on all sides of the unit for proper airflow and effective functioning. Do not plant shrubs or other plants too close to the outside unit in an effort to hide it.
6. The refrigerant pipes must not be too long between the outdoor and indoor units of the central air conditioning system. In addition, installers can choose the wrong size pipes or connections for the distances they will run. Read the installation manual for the air conditioning system being installed and use the diameter pipes specified for the length of run.
7. There may be permits needed to install central air conditioning. Make sure the permits that are needed have been applied for.
8. The airflow is not sufficiently considered. Air conditioning is a complex system that needs to be designed to meet the needs of each home. This includes planning cooling zones and sizing of the system. The air conditioning system must be carefully chosen for quality and efficiency. This includes containing a good filter system to protect the equipment, improving the air quality in the home, and reducing allergens. Some poor-quality systems do not include filters and draw dirty air from outside the home and dump contaminants into the home with unfiltered air. Some systems have the air filter assembly in the wrong location to be efficient.
9. The homeowner doesn’t get a signed contract with the air conditioning unit installer. Not hiring a qualified, licensed technician can void the manufacturer’s warranty.
10. Putting the thermostats in the wrong places. This might involve sunlight hitting the thermostat all day and throwing off readings. Using cheap thermostats that do not use the latest technology can be a costly mistake. Thermostats should be programmable with unit timers so they can be set to run less when no one is home to save energy costs.
11. When installing the air conditioning unit, the drip pan should be removed. If it is left on, the airflow can be reduced and the unit efficiency will drop several percentage points. Installing an incorrect drainage system can cause damage to the system and expensive repairs down the line. Water must be drained effectively and safely so it does not spill on other unit components.
12. The system ductwork must be properly installed and sealed to avoid air leaks and wasted energy. This is a place some installers skimp on the quality of materials or cut corners on labor. This is why only reputable HVAC installers should be used.
13. Air return vents must be correctly placed so they do not become blocked by furniture or boxes. The idea is not to hide vents but to place them where they do the most good.
If An Existing Air Conditioning System Needs Updating, Replace the Whole System
If one part of an air conditioning system is worn out, the whole system is showing wear. Whole-house air conditioning systems are two-part systems with an outdoor condenser unit and the indoor equipment that includes coils, bowers, and fans. The inside parts also include a duct system and thermostats. All the parts are designed to work together as one system. A mix of old and new parts will not work efficiently.
