Putting in an air conditioner involves several steps and careful consideration. To fully appreciate your new AC, you must understand what’s involved in the process. The following is a complete overview of air conditioner installations from preparing your home to completing the final walkthrough.
What You Need to Know Before the Installation
When you decide to install a new air conditioning system, you’re making a big investment. You want to be sure that your home comfort system will provide years of efficient and reliable operation. Your first step should be to call a reliable HVAC service provider that can evaluate your needs and provide you with an estimated cost for the equipment and labor expenses. Spend some time reading online reviews and talking to friends and family members who have recently had an air conditioner installed in their residences.
The company you select will send a specialist to your house to do a full assessment of your cooling needs depending on the size and layout of your home. The technician will go through the findings of the assessment with you and explain what options are available. If your property is large enough or has existing ductwork, a central air conditioner may be an excellent option.
Central air conditioning was only available to modern homes after 1960. Air ducts were installed to move the supercooled air from room to room, enabling you to cool the whole house all at once. Prior to this, the only option for staying cool in the summer was a window AC unit that only cooled one room.
On the other hand, if you have a smaller house, or have added on to your home, a ductless mini-split may be a better option for you. A ductless mini-split is an air conditioning system that doesn’t require ductwork, which is perfect for houses built before 1960 or homes that don’t have the space to install ducts.
Cost Estimation
Installation fees will differ from one company to the next. Factors that affect price are the size of your home and the type of air conditioning system you want. Also, factors such as location, the brand of the unit, energy efficiency ratings, and additional features may add to the cost as well. When a service tech from Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing comes to your home, they’ll generate an estimate based on your needs.
While it may cost a bit more money, it’s often recommended to replace your existing thermostat when replacing your air conditioner. A modern, programmable thermostat can optimize the performance of the new equipment and provide better energy efficiency.
Newer, modern thermostats have greater capabilities than the old standard models. Choose a smart thermostat that’s compatible with your air conditioner and you’ll be able to set the temperature or turn the system on or off from your Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone.
How Long Does a Central Air Conditioner Installation Take?
Estimating the time it will take for the installation isn’t an exact science. It may take between one and three days to install your cooling system, depending on the size of the space, the type of ductwork needed, the location where it will be installed, and the type of unit being installed. Obviously, the larger the area, the longer it will take to install and test the new system.
Preparing Your Home for a New Air Conditioner
Prior to the new air conditioning system’s arrival, some preparations will need to be made. If you’re having a traditional, central cooling system installed, make sure the location for it is clean and free of obstacles. Installation day will be hectic, and you don’t want anyone tripping over boxes of unpacked toys or knickknacks.
If you replace your central AC, you may be able to reuse your ductwork. It will depend on its condition. If it’s still in good working order, it may only need a few slight tweaks to get it ready for your new AC unit. Your technician will inspect your ventilation system and make any necessary repairs before connecting it to the system.
For a ductless mini-split, the indoor unit should be placed on an interior wall in a location where it’s away from heat and direct sunlight. The outdoor unit should also be placed in a location free of obstructions on an exterior wall. Your technician can advise you on the best places to install indoor and outdoor units for maximum efficiency.
What to Expect on the Day of the Install
The installation crew will arrive and begin setting up their equipment. They’ll prepare the area where the unit will be placed, protecting your carpeting or vinyl flooring by wearing booties and taking the shortest route to the installation location. Plastic sheets and drop cloths may be used to contain the mess and prevent any damage from happening.
The old system will be disconnected and removed, according to the safety guidelines and building codes in your area. The new equipment will be put in its place and connected to the electrical system.
Testing the Unit to Ensure It Works Properly
After the installation is complete, the entire system will be tested before the crew leaves your property. Every component will be tested to make sure it’s working perfectly before asking you to sign off on the work performed. Your technician will instruct you on how to set your thermostat and when you should have your equipment serviced.
Now that you know what to expect, the installation process will be easy and you shouldn’t have any anxiety when the day arrives!
Maintaining Your New AC System
Central air conditioners typically last between 10 and 15 years. Maintaining the equipment regularly and using energy-efficient temperature settings can help extend its lifespan. If you tend to set your AC unit at 65 degrees for the entire summer, it puts a big strain on the system. However, if you raise the temperature to 78 when you’re home and 82 when you’re away, you’ll save money and put less of a workload on your system, which can help it last longer.
Get in Touch With a Qualified HVAC Company
If you need a top-quality heating and cooling company to install a new air conditioner for you, Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing is the place to call. We’ve been in business for 20 years and always make our customers’ indoor comfort a priority.
One of our skilled technicians can install a new AC unit in your home quickly and efficiently. If you’re worried about the cost, we offer specials and rebates for new installations that can help you stay on budget. We also have excellent customer service, so if anything happens with your system after the installation, we’ll be there to fix it right away.
Call Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing in Chandler, AZ today to schedule your assessment and begin the process of getting the air conditioning system you’ve always wanted! Our team can also assist you with heating repair, AC maintenance, duct cleaning, and more.
