Expert AC Installation Done Right the First Time

3. Duct Leakage Testing

A determining factor regarding the energy efficiency of a central air conditioning system is the quality of the ductwork. When ductwork is fitted improperly or gets damaged, it can lead to a reduction in the airflow that is generated by the fan. This will lower the overall energy efficiency of the system. It can result in foreign objects and moisture getting into the system, which can cause allergens to be dispersed via the vents.

Most reputable HVAC contractors will include duct leakage testing as part of the cost of installation. The test involves covering all but one of the air vents with tape. The other vent will then have a suction pump and pressure gauge affixed to it. When the pump is turned on, it will give a reading of how airtight the ductwork is and indicate whether extra work is needed to make the system hermetic.

When the system is set up, you will also need to check the airflow rate in each room to see whether everything is running according to the manufacturer’s specifications. To ensure the cool air is distributed evenly throughout the space.

4. Check Refrigerant Levels

A key step to successful air conditioner installations is charging the system with the right level of refrigerant liquid or freon. Different systems require varying levels of refrigerant for them to function as they were designed to. Make sure that your contractor follows the manufacturer’s guidelines on refrigerant levels; a system with too much or too little refrigerant is subject to extra strain that can reduce efficiency and shave years off the lifespan of the unit.

5. Level External Unit

If you have a split HVAC system with an external unit, you need to make sure that it is sitting on a dead level. This is the only way that you can guarantee that the compressor will keep running smoothly since it will ensure that the refrigerant can move freely through the lines and coils. A professional HVAC contractor should take a lot of care to bring the unit to the level using a spirit level and rust-resistant washers. However, it is always worth checking yourself as well in case this step has been overlooked.

6. Airtight Envelope

The final point we are going to make here concerns the airtightness of the building envelope itself. It makes no sense to splash out on a fancy new AC system with an excellent energy-efficiency rating if there are numerous cracks and gaps that are allowing air from outside to get into the building.

Make sure that you take special care and attention to seal the building envelope. This may require you to spend time and invest money in the latest framing techniques, continuous air barriers, and high-efficiency windows. Once you have sealed the gaps, you will find that your HVAC system will not need to work as hard to achieve the optimal indoor temperature.

Conclusion

Like every household appliance, even the best AC system will have a shelf-life and will eventually need replacing. When this happens, your best bet is to call in a qualified HVAC contractor to do the job. Attempting to install a new system on your own is a complicated operation, and errors can be extremely costly.

When planning and overseeing the installation of a new system, you should take care to ensure that the contractor abides by the principles set out above if you want your system to be as reliable, durable, and cost-effective as possible.

Call (850) 820-3931 or contact us online to request your free estimate and see why so many clients rely on us to keep their spaces comfortable.