Air conditioning used to be considered a luxury, but nowadays it’s essential to daily comfort, health and productivity. Advanced home-cooling technology makes it possible to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout a wide variety of living spaces. But it only works properly if the system is correctly installed. Read on to learn more about what standard AC installation involves so that you can make an informed decision when hiring a professional installer.
The first step in any air conditioner installation is a comprehensive pre-installation inspection and assessment. This helps the technician identify any issues that may affect your cooling system’s performance and efficiency. It can also help determine the size of the new AC unit that’s needed to cool your space. Factors like square footage, insulation levels and the number of west-facing windows will all be taken into consideration in the process.
Once the evaluation is complete, the installation team will turn off the power to the old air conditioner in the service area and prepare the work site. They will protect floors and furnishings from damage and make sure that all the tools they’ll need for the project are on hand. Before starting the actual work, the team leader will speak with you about any specific expectations you may have regarding start-up, running operation and maintenance.
If ductwork modification is required, the technicians will make any necessary modifications or repairs to optimize air flow. This could involve sealing leaks, resizing or rerouting ductwork to eliminate hot or cold spots in your home and improve energy efficiency.
Next, the installation team will connect all electrical and refrigerant lines to the new outdoor unit. They’ll then fit the line set that was prepared earlier into the air conditioner’s service valve and add a filler rod to seal the connection. This step will also include vacuuming the line set to remove any air or moisture and adding refrigerant if needed.
In the case of a ductless mini-split system, the technicians will skip this step and simply run a conduit between the indoor and outdoor units. This will allow for easy and fast connections, while still ensuring that the system runs according to manufacturers specifications.
Once the work is complete, the technician will perform a thorough test of your new air conditioner. They’ll verify that it operates to manufacturers specifications, is making the right amount of noise and that the thermostat is communicating properly with the system. They’ll then provide you with basic instructions for using your programmable or smart thermostat, suggest routine AC maintenance and answer any questions you may have. Before leaving your home, the installer will leave a copy of the completed service record and ensure that all equipment is in good working order. Then they’ll remove any excess materials and clean up the work area.