Having an air conditioning system that’s well designed, properly installed and maintained can save you money over the long term and improve your home’s energy efficiency. But if you hire the wrong person to do the work, you may end up with a shoddy installation job that reduces your system’s functionality or causes it to break down early.
You can get a rough idea of the cost of an air conditioner installation project before contacting professional contractors by checking online pricing tools. Keep in mind, though, that these prices can change based on the location of your home and the local demand for HVAC services.
When hiring a contractor, it’s important to discuss the details of your project with them. This includes determining how much square footage your new system will be required to cool and whether or not you need new ductwork. Your contractor can also advise you on steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient, such as adding more insulation or sealing ducts.
The first step in the process is an in-home visit by a professional to review your existing cooling system and collect important information for the installation team. They’ll need to know the size of your current air conditioner, how much cooling power you want for your home and if you need any new ductwork or vents. They’ll also be able to tell you if your attic is insulated enough, since a lack of insulation can add to your cooling costs.
After this visit, your contractor can help you decide on a new system that will meet your needs. They’ll be able to tell you how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) your home requires, which is determined by measuring the total square footage of your home. A licensed HVAC contractor can also advise you on how much a specific model of AC unit will cost to operate.
During your air conditioning installation, the contractor will remove the old equipment and prepare the area for the new system. If necessary, they’ll use a saw to cut through the siding of your house or the roof to mount the new system. The team will then connect the line set, a series of copper wires that deliver refrigerant and distribute electricity to the system. They’ll also hook up your new evaporator coil and connect the ductwork to the new unit.
Once your air conditioning system is in place, the team leader should walk you through its operation and answer any questions you may have. They should also provide tips on how to maintain your new system and offer maintenance schedules.
The final step is commissioning the system, which involves making sure it meets all specifications and that it works as expected. This process can take several hours and typically involves running the system until it reaches its maximum potential for cooling capacity. It’s important to note that while some companies skip this step in order to lower their labor costs, this can jeopardize the performance of your new system and put your family’s health and comfort at risk.