While 87 percent of U.S. families use some type of air conditioning central AC systems are the most desirable for both suitability and accessibility. If flipping a switch for whole-house cooling is what you’re after. You may wonder whether it’s possible to install your own. And the answer is you certainly can. Here’s how to install central air conditioning yourself safely and correctly.
If you’re like most Canadians you know that much like our winters our hot and humid summers can be dangerous! When the weather is boiling hot you want to make sure you stay cool throughout the day and sleep securely at night – and that starts with choosing the right air conditioning system. Home air conditioning systems are more energy well-organized than ever before. If you’re looking to upgrade or replace your cooling system the current AC options obtainable can help keep you cool and save you money for years to come.
But where do you start? Selecting the right air conditioning system can seem like an intimidating task. This guide is designed to help you circumnavigate through the complex decision making process and deliver you with helpful information to help you select the right AC for you and your family.
This guide is envisioned for information purposes only. A competent heating and cooling expert will be able to control the ideal size and solution for your home and climate.
What is Central Air Conditioning?
The most common way to cool a home is with a central air conditioning system. The system comprises an external condenser unit which sits outside your home and expels heat as well as an evaporator coil which generally sits above your furnace and cools the air within your home. Finally your heater or air handle work with your AC using the fan to blow the laidback air through your home’s duct work. As a central air conditioner is combined with your furnace system. It can take advantage of the furnace filter and any additional air cleansing apparatus you have added. This helps to clean the air throughout your home.
How Does Central AC Work?
A central air conditioner relies on ducting and registers (openings) to carry cool air all over your home. Fundamentally the system pulls air in from outside, cools it, and then pushes it throughout the house via the ductwork.
There are two types of central AC units: split-system and packaged. A split system involves an outdoor unit and an indoor cabined while the packaged type sits in a cabinet either outside or on the roof of your home. Packaged units are the ones which can also function as a heater with the addition of electric heating coils or a gas furnace.
If your home lacks ductwork to support your new system you’ll have to look at some face-lifts to retrofit an AC to your house. However if you’re substituting an older unit with an updated and energy-efficient one you could see an important difference in your energy bills.
Today’s unit’s use up to 50 percent less energy to operate than those produced as little as ten years ago, making a new unit a great speculation for most homeowners. Of course choosing the right size system will also impact your energy costs so picking the suitable system is crucial.
Professionally Installed Central AC Systems
Here’s more about having a professionally installed central AC system, including the pros and cons.
Perks to a Professionally Installed Central AC System
While there are many projects you can DIY satisfactorily there are times when it’s better to hire a professional to do the job. Here are a few perks to having a certified HVAC professional install and uphold your new AC system.
No Manual Labor for the Homeowner
If you’re dying , you may be crawling under your home lifting heavy parts, making an installation site, pouring concrete, climbing on the roof, or any number of other physical tasks. Signing a professional removes the need for you to do anything other than sign off on the work and pay the bill.
Signs of a proper installation
After you choose your air conditioner the proper installation is in the hands of your contractor. An installation by a qualified contractor.
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Proper system sizing. Proper sizing is crucial to a good central air conditioner installation. A good contractor will use a Manual J load calculation to choose the perfectly sized unit for your home.
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Efficient ductwork. If you’re adding new ductwork to your home, your contractor should ensure that it’s properly designed and sized correctly with an adequate amount of supply and return registers to ensure good airflow.
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Proper refrigerant levels. Your air conditioner must be charged with the exact amount of refrigerant to ensure it operates smoothly and efficiently.
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Good location for outdoor condensers. Your outdoor condenser should be located in the shade when possible and away from obstructions and vegetation.
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Good location for a thermostat. Your thermostat should be located in an accessible part of your home away from any heat sources or direct sunlight.
No Legwork Required
In addition to the physical features of installing a new AC unit many homeowners hire a professional so that they don’t have to worry about the paperwork feature. In most places the local government needs permits for many home development projects counting replacing or installing large-scale applications like home heating and cooling systems.
Contractors and HVAC professionals can obtain the proper permits for you, making the job smoother concerning timelines and getting things done quickly.
Professional Upkeep
With most new installs HVAC pros offer upkeep plans for these systems. If a company installs your new unit they’re already acquainted with it and can come back and check in on things whenever the homeowner requests it. Also many installation packages include an exact maintenance plan to ensure your unit’s permanency and safety.
Increased Cost
Although your contractor may negotiate a lower rate for your AC unit based on their brand and manufacturer relationships, you will still pay labor costs for the unit’s installation. You may also need to finance the pre-installation work, potentially including pouring a concrete slab or making modifications to fit the new assembly on your roof. However, the professional installer will handle the details of the job.
It’s Hard to Find a Reputable Company
For those homeowners who live in more rural areas, it can be challenging to find a professional that’s willing and able to travel to install a new central AC system. While rural living has many perks, getting items delivered and installed is not one of them!
