There’s more to installing an air conditioner (AC) in your Canterbury, NH, home than just buying a unit and putting it where you want it. Effective planning and preparation guarantee an installation that efficiently fulfills your cooling requirements and conforms with local laws.
AC Planning Steps for a Homeowner
Here is a look at the steps a homeowner must take in choosing a new air conditioner and planning for installation day. It is best to listen to the expertise of your local HVAC installer.
Choosing the Right Type of Air Conditioner
Your home’s design, cooling needs, and cooling preferences are some of the most important considerations when choosing an air conditioner. Window units, portable air conditioners, ductless mini-split systems, and central air conditioning systems are common choices for most homeowners. An HVAC expert can help you consider the unit’s efficiency rating, the ease of installation, and how well it complements your home’s design before making a final decision.
Considering Indoor Air Quality
Choosing a new air conditioner with air quality in mind is essential for making the interior atmosphere healthier. More recent models have begun to include air purification technology and enhanced filtration systems to further reduce exposure to airborne particles, allergies, and contaminants. In addition to making your house more pleasant, choosing a unit with enhanced filtering capabilities can help alleviate respiratory problems and improve your family’s health in general.
Budget Planning
Make sure to factor in the price of the air conditioner, all associated installation costs, any possible electrical improvements, and the cost of any other features or accessories you might want, such as smart home integration or programmable thermostats. To keep prices in check, it’s a good idea to look into energy-efficient model financing choices and incentives.
Preplanning Responsibilities for an HVAC Professional
Several planning steps require the expertise of a trained professional. They include the following.
Assessing the Correct Size
For effective cooling, choosing the right size air conditioner is essential. A unit that is too large may cause uneven temperatures and unnecessary energy use, whereas an undersized unit may have trouble cooling your house. To choose the ideal size AC unit for your needs, speak with an HVAC specialist who can complete a load calculation based on elements like the size of your house, the amount of insulation, the windows, and the temperature where you live.
Assessing Electrical System Compatibility
Have an HVAC technician verify that the new air conditioner and your home’s electrical system are compatible. They can do this by checking the electrical panel to make sure there are enough circuits and amperage to sustain the air conditioner’s load. You’ll need to make arrangements for an electrician to finish any necessary upgrades, such as adding a dedicated circuit or updating the wiring, before the installation day.
Checking Local Regulations and Permits
A local HVAC expert can help verify local construction codes and restrictions prior to installing an air conditioner. In certain locations, the installation of new HVAC systems or the modification of existing ones may require a permit.
Understanding the Installation Timeline
Keep in mind the installation schedule and make preparations accordingly. Timeliness depends on several factors, including the intricacy of the installation, the time of year, and the availability of HVAC contractors. The following steps are taken by the installer, not the homeowner.
Preparing the Installation Location
Remove any potential obstructions, such as plants, furniture, or other items, from the chosen installation location. This ensures the HVAC expert will have easy access and enough room to operate safely and efficiently with the unit.
Ensuring Proper Ventilation
An HVAC technician will make sure there is enough space between the unit and any nearby walls, furniture, or other obstacles. They’ll also ensure there are no obstacles and that the ducts or airflow pathways are big enough to allow for adequate air circulation. To avoid overheating, they might suggest putting in grilles or louvered vents.
Removing the Old System
Make responsible arrangements for the removal and disposal of the old unit if you are replacing an existing air conditioner. Air conditioning and heating companies often offer equipment removal and recycling services to help homeowners stay in line with environmental requirements.
Leveling the Surface
Installing a new air conditioning system requires a level area, which is why professionals in the field clean and grade the land beforehand. They might install concrete or gravel pads to make things even more stable. When they take out an old air conditioner to replace it, they check the pad for wear and use shims or a new pad to level it.
Inspecting for Water Drainage
Experts in the field will position the new air conditioner at an angle that allows water to drain properly during installation. To collect condensation, they set up a drain pan under the unit and run a drain line to remove the water. They might also install a condensate pump if the unit’s drainage point is higher. Preventing blockages and water damage requires regular inspections and maintenance of these parts.
Installing the New System
Get in touch with the HVAC contractor in advance to arrange for someone to supervise the installation on the scheduled day. An expert will install all parts in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and any applicable building codes in your area. HVAC experts will always put the new AC through a number of routine tests to ensure it works properly before completing the installation.
How to Take Care of Your New Air Conditioner
Upkeep is critical to getting the most out of your modern air conditioner and prolonging its lifespan. It helps prevent breakdowns, increases energy efficiency, and protects indoor air quality by keeping parts clean and in good working order.
One of the easiest and most effective things you can do is change or clean air filters regularly. If the filters are dirty, less air can pass through the system, reducing efficiency. Because of this, you need to inspect the filters regularly and clean or replace them as necessary.
Many newer ACs come with smart thermostats. In addition to allowing for fine-grained temperature control, these thermostats can notify homeowners when it’s time to do maintenance. For these high-tech systems to work as intended, though, adhere to the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Keeping smart thermostats up-to-date usually means installing software updates that include security patches and new capabilities. To keep the thermostat capable of providing reliable temperature readings, you also need to clean it regularly to eliminate dust and debris. One more thing you can do to keep your house comfortable and energy efficient is to check the thermostat’s settings periodically and adjust them as needed.
Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. wants to help you with your new AC installation. We also help homeowners with heater installations, indoor air quality improvement, oil-to-gas conversions, water heaters, and more. Contact us today to schedule an AC installation for your home.
