Air Conditioning Installation: Five Things To Know

While you may think that knowing how to install an AC unit is not important for you because you will be hiring a professional to do the job, you should know some important facts about the process before you even hire a company to do it. This will ensure that the company you hire does the job right, and also ensures that you know what to do to take care of the unit after the air conditioning installation is over.

First, it is vital that your air conditioning installation process includes installing a timer. You do not want to have your AC unit running when you are not at home. A programmable thermostat with a timer will help you save money and energy when you are not at home. Now, you can add one of these thermostats yourself after your unit has been installed, but it will be much easier to simply have them both installed at the same time, and often the service technicians or AC companies who purchase your unit can get a good price on these thermostats.

Remember that air conditioning installation is always something that needs to be handled by a licensed, bonded, and certified installer. There are laws about coolants that must be followed, and trying to do the process your self or hiring an unqualified individual is never good, and could leave you liable for problems. There are many do-it-yourself projects you can tackle around your home, but installing an AC unit is not one of them.

Once you have chosen a professional company to handle the process, talk to the installers about insulation throughout your HVAC system. The unit itself should not be insulated, but the ducts should be, particularly in hot areas of your home, like crawl spaces or attics. Spray foam, rigid foam, or batt insulation all work well, but make sure it is going to be used by the installer you have chosen.

Make sure you choose the right location for your air conditioning installation. You do not want the compressor or condenser to be obstructed. Shrubs, grass, and even hanging branches can create a problem with airflow and efficiency. You want the unit close to your house, but you want a 24-inch open barrier around it free of debris, vegetation, or other possible obstructions. You may also want to have the installer choose a location that will not be in direct sunlight, because this reduces its efficiency. Professional installers recommend the north or east sides of the house to protect from the most intense hours of sunlight.

Finally, you will want to consider a plan for maintenance after your air conditioner installation. Finding an installer who also offers maintenance is a good idea, because this will ensure that the company or individual who is doing the maintenance understands your unit and its quirks. You should have it checked each year before you start using it to ensure that it is fully functional and working at optimum efficiency.