What’s Involved in a New AC Installation?
Many homeowners are considering installing a new air conditioning unit or upgrading their current system as the warm summertime temperatures arrive. Although the procedure may appear complicated and time-consuming, installing an AC unit is much simpler than you’re probably thinking. Some people may have questions about the installation process, but understanding what’s going on can help build confidence in your decision to complete the project.
Best Time For a New Installation
Most industry experts agree that early spring and early fall are the optimum times for a new AC installation. In late February and early March, many parts of the country are past the worst winter weather but aren’t dealing with triple-digit heat. Purchasing a unit during these times allows homeowners to take advantage of off-season pricing during a slower time of year for ac installers which may save you a great deal on installation costs.
Find the Best Location for the Condenser Unit
As daytime temperatures soar, your AC unit works hard to maintain a comfortable environment and temperature inside the house. A shady spot on the north or east side of the house may provide shade to the unit during the hottest part of the day. An awning or shade tree can also assist in providing the necessary shade. You can consult with HVAC installation Oakville to learn more.
What Size Unit Will the Home Need?
Choosing the right size for the system is a critical part of the process. An oversized air conditioner will easily keep the house cool, but the unit may dramatically affect your energy bill. Large air conditioners cool the home but often don’t cycle long enough to remove humidity from the air. But, purchasing a system that is too small results in an air conditioner that struggles to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to excessive wear and tear and early system failure.
Tons, or tonnage are the standard units for sizing an air conditioning system and are measured by the number of square feet inside the structure. A 1.5-ton size comfortably manages a small 600 to 1000 sq. ft. home, and a 1,000 to 1,500 sq. ft. home requires a 2-ton ac system. Larger homes require systems with higher capacities. To get the right size of AC unit for your home, it is best to first consult a professional from an HVAC company such as Kingston air conditioning installation.
Proper Ventilation is Essential
In simple terms, the ventilation system and ductwork are the mechanisms for distributing the cooled air throughout the home, and leaks and blockages make the job more difficult for your new system. Inspecting the ducts and vents to ensure a tight seal saves excessive wear on the system and keeps the house at a comfortable temperature. Sealing any air leaks also saves energy.
Components of a New AC System
In addition to the vents and ductwork, several other parts of AC installation assist in keeping your home comfortable. The air handler or air exchanger is responsible for trading stale indoor air for fresh outside air and is the main component of the ventilation system. It filters and cools the air as it’s pumped into the ducts, vents, and home.
Air conditioning coolant is at the heart of the ac system, and it’s what cools the air. This substance passes through the coils inside the AC system and cools and dehumidifies the air. While older units use a refrigerant called Freon, systems installed in the last ten years use Puron as a refrigerant and, barring a leak, Puron will never need refilling.