Whether your home is a single-story with no basement or a two-story mansion, you need an air conditioning system to keep it cool. A ducted system requires an outdoor unit and a network of air ducts to deliver cool air throughout the home.

Any person who handles refrigerant must be EPA-certified. Look for a technician with an EPA certification to ensure you get the highest quality installation. Contact Air Conditioning Installation Los Angeles for professional help.

Air conditioning used to be considered a luxury but now it is an essential investment in our comfort, health, productivity, energy levels and even home’s market value. In fact, it is estimated that homes with air conditioners sell for up to 10% more than those without them.

There are many factors that go into determining which AC system is right for you, and it is important to work with a licensed HVAC technician when selecting the size and type of unit needed. This may seem like an unnecessary step, but working with a professional who understands the science behind energy efficient heating and cooling will ensure you get a system that will fit your needs exactly, and will save you money on your monthly energy bills.

On the day of installation, the team should introduce themselves and start by laying down drop cloths to protect your floors and furniture from dust. They should also take the time to check that there is no significant wood rot around the window and any other potential obstructions before beginning to install the unit.

The installation process will involve running copper piping and power cables through the wall, as well as a drain pipe for the condensate. The installer will make sure that these pipes and cable are insulated to prevent heat loss and damage from the weather conditions outside. Once they have fed all the pipes and cables through the hole in the wall, they should be secured with clamps to ensure that they don’t move or become disconnected. They will then spray expanding polyurethane foam into the hole to seal it up and prevent hot air, insects, or debris from getting through.

The next step is to install the outdoor unit in a shaded spot, if possible, to avoid direct sunshine on its heat exchanger. It is also a good idea to plant trees or shrubs around the base of the outdoor unit to help keep it cool and prevent weeds from blocking the vents. The installation team should test the unit to ensure that it is functioning properly and then finish up with a complete clean-up of the area.

Choose the Right Unit

When you hire a professional for air conditioning installation, one of the first things they’ll do is select the right unit for your home. This is important because the size of your home and your family’s cooling needs determine what kind of system you need. The right AC unit will keep your family comfortable without wasting energy, which can be very expensive. A properly-sized unit will also last longer, saving you money in the long run.

The professional will take accurate measurements of your home, which they’ll then use to determine the capacity you need from your new AC unit. They’ll take into account how many rooms you want to cool, as well as other unique factors that affect your comfort and safety. For example, if your home has excellent insulation and few west-facing windows, you may only need a small window unit to keep the interior cool. Conversely, if your home is large and has poor insulation, you’ll probably need a bigger, more powerful air conditioning system to keep it comfortable.

After determining the right capacity for your home, an AC installer will help you decide whether to install a split system or a packaged system. A split system has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, while a packaged system contains the evaporator, compressor, and condenser in a single metal box or cabinet. The split system is usually the more economical choice, but it’s essential to discuss your options with an experienced AC professional to ensure you get the best unit for your budget and cooling needs.

Before the air conditioning unit is installed, it’s important to ensure that your ductwork is clean and sealed. This will prevent air leaks and ensure that your new unit is working properly. A professional can perform this service as part of the installation process or you can do it yourself.

You’ll also need to make sure that your new unit is positioned away from any obstructions, such as plants, fences, toys, and other objects. These can restrict airflow and hinder the efficiency of your new AC system.

Prepare the Area

Once you’ve chosen the right unit and made your appointment, it’s time to prepare your home for installation. A few simple steps can make the process go more smoothly and minimize disruptions to your routine and any potential damage to furniture or decorations.

The day of the install, you should first make sure the team can get into your house and work easily. This means removing any items that might block their way, both indoors and out. This includes putting away children’s toys, moving any furniture, and removing any outdoor equipment such as a barbecue or patio furniture. Also be sure the team can easily access the area where the air conditioner will be installed. This may mean clearing out a path in the backyard or trimming any overgrown plants or shrubs that might be blocking access to your evaporator coil and copper refrigerant lines.

Before the AC installation begins, the technicians should introduce themselves and walk through the plan they have for your project. This will help set the tone for communication throughout the process, and it can also give you a chance to ask any questions or concerns you might have. This is also an ideal time to ask the crew any questions you might have about the installation or if there are any items that aren’t clear in your contract.

Once the technicians begin their work, they’ll start by removing the old air conditioning unit from its pad and replacing it with a new one. They’ll then level or build up the pad as needed, and choose a composite pad that can absorb vibration and last longer than a poured concrete base.

Depending on the type of system you’re getting, they might also remove your existing ductwork or run new ducts, if necessary. Be prepared for dust and debris to fly during this process, and you should cover up valuables with furniture covers or move them to a safe location. You should also confine any pets to a room or to stay with a friend or family member for the duration of the work.

Hire a Professional

An air conditioner is a significant investment, one that you want to get the most use out of. Professionally installed systems are more energy efficient and have a longer useful life than those that are improperly installed. Hiring a contractor to handle your installation ensures that you are getting the most out of your investment.

You can find a quality professional by seeking out referrals from friends, family members, and coworkers. You can also check local online review sites to see what other homeowners have said about the experience they had with the company. You should also make sure that the contractor you hire is licensed, bonded, and insured. Then, verify that their technicians are NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified and receive ongoing training from both the manufacturer and in-house.

A professional understands that every home is different and can provide you with the right equipment for your space. They will take into account the size of your home, the amount of insulation, and other factors to determine the correct sizing for your system. They will also be able to properly install the unit and ensure it is connected to the ductwork and gas supply lines.

It is important to remember that any mistake made during the installation process could lead to expensive repairs and even a voided warranty. This is why it is so important to hire a professional for air conditioning installation.

When you are looking for an HVAC company to do your installation, consider how many years they have been in business and what their customer service rating is. If they have a good reputation, you can be confident that their work will also be top-notch.

Aside from the above reasons, hiring a professional for air conditioning installation is just the smart thing to do. You will save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress in the long run. So don’t go the DIY route – let a professional handle your air conditioning installation so you can enjoy your new system for years to come.

Antoinette McCray