Why Proper Air Conditioner Installation Matters for Your Home
Installing an air conditioning system is a large investment and most homeowners focus on comparing brand names, system types and cost when purchasing a new ac system.
Although all of these things are very important, one thing that many people overlook when purchasing a new air conditioner is the installation quality of the AC system.
Just like the best car will run poorly if it has been driven improperly, even the best ac system will run poorly if it has been installed incorrectly. Many times problems that show up many years after installation can be directly related to the quality of the original installation.
What Is Considered a Proper AC Installation?
All contractors install air conditioners differently. However, experienced HVAC professionals will generally follow similar procedures to ensure the system is running efficiently and safely.
Some of the key aspects of a proper AC system installation include.
Proper AC system sizing for the house
Proper placement of indoor and outdoor equipment
Proper refrigerant line installation and insulation
Proper system evacuation and vacuuming, followed by refrigerant charge according to manufacturer specs
Ductwork assessment and sealing to prevent leaks and ensure efficient airflow
Properly balanced airflow and proper ventilation design
Safe and compliant electrical connections
Proper condensate drainage
Sufficient clearance for airflow and servicing
Thorough final system testing and commissioning
By following these standards, the AC system will operate as it was originally intended to do, providing reliable comfort and efficient cooling.
A properly installed air conditioner will not only keep your home cool, but it will also influence how efficient the system operates, how reliable the system will be in the future, and how much money you will spend on repairs to maintain the system.
Why Proper Installation Is Important to Homeowners
A properly installed air conditioner will not only keep your home cool, but it will also influence how efficient the system operates, how reliable the system will be in the future, and how much money you will spend on repairs to maintain the system.
When a contractor installs an air conditioner properly, homeowners can avoid many common problems that develop years after the initial installation.
Long Term Savings
When a contractor installs an air conditioner properly, the air conditioner will run efficiently and consistently. Often this results in lower energy consumption and fewer repair calls over time.
Conversely, when even small errors occur in the installation, the air conditioner will have to work harder than it would have otherwise, resulting in higher utility bills and more frequent repair visits down the road.
Protect Your Investment and Warranty
An air conditioning system is a big investment and most manufacturers specify that the equipment be installed according to their own specifications.
If a system is installed incorrectly, the manufacturer may deny warranty claims for the equipment. Working with a qualified professional ensures that the equipment meets the manufacturer's requirements and is covered under the manufacturer's warranty.
Additionally, installation by a certified contractor will in most cases qualify homeowners for the full or extended warranty (usually 10-12 years) provided by the manufacturer.
Longer System Lifespan
An air conditioning system that is installed correctly is subjected to less wear and tear during normal operation.
When important factors such as airflow, refrigerant level, and the initial setup of the system are properly addressed, the system can operate more smoothly and provide reliable performance for a longer period of time.
Health and Safety
Air conditioning systems contain electrical parts, refrigerants and ventilation systems that must be installed to function safely.
Poor installation can result in potential problems such as refrigerant leaks, electrical hazards and poor indoor air circulation affecting both system performance and the comfort and safety of the household.
System Placement and Accessibility
In many houses, the indoor AC equipment is placed out of sight, in areas such as attic spaces.
However, if the equipment is not installed with sufficient access or space, routine maintenance can be extremely difficult. Routine tasks, including filter replacement, coil cleaning and servicing internal parts, can take significantly more time and effort when equipment is located in tight spaces or areas that are blocked.
This is particularly true in newly built homes, where HVAC systems are installed during the construction phase. After the walls and framing have been completed, access to the equipment may be severely restricted if the placement of the equipment was not thoroughly planned prior to the completion of the drywall.
Planning properly ensures the equipment remains accessible for maintenance and servicing for its entire lifetime.
Correct System Sizing
Homeowners often believe that larger air conditioners will cool their home faster. Oversized systems, however, will often turn on and off too rapidly, decreasing efficiency and preventing the system from properly removing moisture from the air.
Smaller systems will create the opposite problem, causing the unit to operate for longer periods of time while it attempts to achieve the desired temperature.
Experienced HVAC contractors will take into account the layout of the house, insulation, sun exposure, and the total cooling load of the house when determining the correct size of the air conditioning system.
Conclusion
Air conditioning systems are a big investment, and therefore the installation and setup of the system is crucial to getting the most out of the system until it is eventually replaced.
Using a qualified HVAC contractor ensures that the system is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, as well as the industry standard.
When the air conditioner is installed correctly, the homeowner will have a system that will run more efficiently, provide reliable comfort, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected repairs or failures.
Therefore, the expertise and attention to detail of the installer can be just as important as the equipment being installed.
AC Installation Services in Hawaii
If you are considering a new air conditioning system for your home on Oahu or Big Island, using a group of experienced professionals to install the system can greatly improve the level of comfort and the long-term performance of the system.
At Craig's Air Conditioning, we have a team of installers who take pride in installing systems correctly from day one so that homeowners can maximize the value of their investment.
If you are looking to purchase a new AC system or upgrade your existing system, please contact us today to learn more about the best cooling solutions for your home.
