Many homeowners are looking to add air conditioning to their homes. They want an energy-efficient system that provides quality cooling and is easy to maintain. It is important to research companies that offer good customer service and have a wide selection of AC units. The following tips will help you select the right AC for your home.
Installation Location
The location of your AC Installation Los Angeles can greatly impact the effectiveness and efficiency of your new cooling system. Incorrectly placing your air conditioner can lower cooling performance and energy bills. You should try to find a spot that is as open as possible, away from walls, fences, plants, and other obstructions that could affect air flow around your home. You should also avoid areas exposed to direct sunlight and heat sources, as these can affect the functioning of your AC.
The outdoor unit of your AC is called a condenser and is usually located on the roof or side of your house. It is important to place the condenser in an area with good ventilation and can withstand vibration. You should also make sure that the unit is positioned away from combustible materials, such as gas stoves or furnaces. It is also a good idea to keep it at least 3.3 feet (1.0 m) away from power lines and antennas, as they can cause problems with the operation of your AC.
When you are installing a window AC, you should choose a wide enough window to accommodate the AC. You should also install a support bracket to hold the AC in place. You can choose from a variety of support brackets, including those that require no tools to remove them and those that are permanently attached to the window frame. You should also install an L-shaped security bracket to prevent the window from opening accidentally.
During the initial in-home visit, the estimator will review your current cooling system to ensure it is working properly. This information will help them provide you with a more accurate proposal for your AC installation. They will also discuss the options available for your new system and answer any questions you may have. In addition to reviewing your existing air conditioning equipment, the team will also start preparing the work site by laying floor protection and turning off electrical circuits and the gas supply.
If you are replacing an old air conditioning system, the installers will need to recover any remaining refrigerant from the old unit before installing the new one. This is a process that requires an EPA-approved refrigerant handling certificate, so be sure to hire someone who has this certification.
Installation Type
Air conditioning used to be considered a luxury for homeowners, but today it is a necessity that helps to keep families cool and healthy. Investing in an energy efficient AC system helps to improve indoor comfort and can increase a home’s value. However, installing a new air conditioner requires a professional HVAC contractor to ensure that the installation job is done correctly. This involves meeting local and state regulations regarding proper venting, handling of refrigerant and working with electrical wiring. It also involves obtaining the proper permits when necessary.
A good AC contractor should take the time to discuss the process with clients before the work begins. This will help clients understand what to expect, including how long the installation will take. In addition, the contractor should explain what will be involved if any major ductwork is required or if the AC unit needs to be moved from one location to another.
When the installation team arrives, they should inspect the area where the AC unit will be located. This will involve checking for a suitable mounting space on the ground level or rooftop and ensuring that the outdoor unit will be able to drain properly. The crew will then begin installing the indoor air handler or evaporator, the outdoor compressor or condensing unit, and any other components needed to complete the installation. They will also connect the new thermostat and the refrigerant supply lines when applicable.
If the new system is being installed in a room that previously did not have air conditioning, it will be necessary to install ductwork to bring cold air into the space. Depending on the size of the room, this may be a simple job for an experienced technician.
In other cases, it could be more complicated, particularly if the home is being renovated and existing ductwork needs to be replaced or upgraded. In these cases, the installation will typically take longer because the installers will be rerouting and sealing ductwork while installing the new equipment.
When the HVAC installation is completed, the crew should test the new AC system and make any necessary adjustments. They should also go over how to operate the programmable and smart thermostats and suggest routine maintenance.
Installation Cost
An air conditioning installation adds a significant amount of value to your home and provides comfort throughout the hot summer months. If you are thinking of adding or replacing an AC system, you may be concerned about how much the project will cost. Fortunately, there are many factors that influence the cost of an AC installation project and you can take steps to minimize your upfront expenses.
The type of AC unit you choose will have a major impact on your installation costs. The most common type of AC system is a split-system which includes an outdoor compressor/condenser and indoor air handler/furnace. This type of system typically has a cost range of between $3,800 and $7,500. Some other factors that affect the overall cost of an AC installation are the brand and SEER rating of the unit. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient it will be, and this can help reduce your energy bills over time.
Another factor that will have an impact on the cost of an AC installation is whether or not you need to upgrade your existing ductwork. Your ductwork delivers the conditioned air from your HVAC system to all parts of your home, and upgrading this is a time-intensive task that can increase the cost of your project.
If you are constructing a new home or replacing an old AC system in an existing home, it’s likely that you will need to install new ductwork as part of the project. If this is the case, you should allow for an additional day of labor for the installation crew to complete the project.
You will also need to allow for the cost of a new electrical circuit and outlet for your AC unit. It is important to have a professional complete this work and you should also consider how much it will cost to remove and dispose of your old AC unit.
Finally, you should consider the cost of permits for your AC installation project. Most localities require a permit when working on large appliances like home heating and cooling systems. Hiring a licensed, insured and certified AC company to perform the installation will save you the trouble of dealing with permitting issues on your own and will ensure that your project is completed correctly and safely.
Maintenance
The best way to keep your new AC running smoothly and efficiently is to schedule regular maintenance. It can significantly reduce the number of repairs and extend your unit’s lifespan.
Before performing any work on your AC, make sure you turn off the power at its source. This will prevent any injuries and protect your home’s electrical system. You should also clean the area around the AC to remove any debris and dirt.
The condenser unit usually sits outdoors where it gets covered by grass clippings, leaves and other debris. If it’s not cleaned regularly, the buildup of dirt can cause the unit to overheat and reduce its efficiency. You can wash the exterior with a garden hose to rinse off the unit. After rinsing, you should use a brush or a soft-bristle broom to scrub off any remaining dirt. You can also purchase a fin comb to straighten out any bent fins on the unit’s cage.
You can also increase your AC’s efficiency by installing a programmable thermostat. This allows you to set the temperature in your home at different times of the day, which can save you money on energy costs.
During an AC inspection, your technician will examine the unit for any signs of overheating or damaged components. They will also check the air filter and ductwork to ensure that they are in good condition. In addition, they will check the refrigerant pressure to determine if it is properly charged.
If the AC unit is in a window, they will check that it doesn’t block any fire escapes or other exits. They will also make sure that the window frame is structurally strong enough to support the weight of the unit. They may also affix the unit to the window with metal brackets, interior angles or other fasteners.
Choosing the right contractor to perform your AC installation is vital. It’s important to find a company with trained and certified technicians who have experience with various HVAC systems. Make sure to ask about the type of education, training and apprenticeship requirements their team members must pass. Also, they should be EPA certified to handle refrigerant. They should also have a G2 license, which certifies them to install gas-powered HVAC equipment.
