Air Conditioning Installation Tips
Air conditioning installation tips can help you get the most out of your new AC system. Nashville | MJ Frick can also help you avoid common mistakes that could result in costly repairs down the road.
Remove any objects that could obstruct the installer’s path, such as furniture, side tables, rugs and decorations. This will reduce the risk of property damage and accidents during the installation process.
Location
Air conditioning systems are heavy, and they can cause damage to a window frame that’s not designed for the weight. You can avoid damage and ensure the proper operation of your air conditioner by removing obstacles from around the installation area. Remove side tables, chairs, rugs, decorations, and any other items that obstruct the technician’s path. This also minimizes the risk of accidents and property damage during the air conditioning installation process.
The best place for an air conditioning unit is on a high wall, away from furniture. This way the unit won’t be blocking airflow, which can lead to poor performance and premature wear. Additionally, the location of your air conditioner should be easily accessible so that you or a professional can maintain it. A technician who can’t easily reach the air conditioning system will have to perform unnecessary repairs. Additionally, a difficult-to-reach air conditioning unit can be a fire hazard. This is especially true if it’s located in an exterior wall shared with a bedroom or living room.
Electrical Connections
When a window unit is being installed, an electrician must connect it to the house’s electrical system. This involves running wires from the home’s electrical panel to a service disconnect box. The service disconnect has specific locations for the high-voltage circuit that runs from the panel and the load wire that feeds power to the air conditioner. The installer must also use a noncontact voltage tester to make sure the wires are dead before handling them. This prevents the possibility of an electrocution.
Once the electrical connections are made, the installer will put in a surge protector. This safeguards the AC unit from lightning and voltage spikes, which can degrade wiring insulation over time.
The next step is to install the support brackets that hold the air conditioner in place. These either resemble a small shelf or have rubber-tipped “feet” that rest against the lower edge of the window frame. One side of the L-bracket screws into the lower edge of the sliding windowpane’s sash; the other attaches to the bottom of the mounting rails.
Noise Levels
Noise levels for HVAC systems are measured on the decibel scale, with total silence registering at 0 and a regular conversation measuring around 60 decibels. If the sound level from your air conditioner is too high, it can disrupt your sleep cycle or distract you from your work.
Your contractor can install the indoor unit away from bedrooms, rooms and hallways to reduce noise levels. They should also place it in a location that is a few feet away from air ducts, as sound can bounce off them and be amplified.
If your unit is located outside, you can prevent unwanted noise by placing a sound blanket around it, or “sound curtain.” These blankets help to absorb and block sound waves without affecting the performance of your system. You can further decrease noise by creating barriers on your property, such as a fence, tall vegetation and walls. Ensure that all barriers are at least 2 feet away from your outdoor unit, as they may amplify or redirect the sound waves toward your home.
Safety
If you want to ensure the quality of your AC installation, be sure that a licensed technician completes the job. A professional will always play it safe and adhere to industry standards. They should also ask homeowners to show proof of insurance before starting work.
When it comes to window units, the installer should make sure that the unit is set on a solid pad designed specifically for air conditioning. Avoid having a concrete pad poured in place because this could crack and shift drastically over time, resulting in serious damage to the unit.
Additionally, it’s important that the air conditioner doesn’t block ventilation openings or cause other safety concerns. This can lead to odors, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fire hazards. Lastly, the unit should never be plugged into an extension cord because it could overload the electrical circuits. This is a common cause of fires and electrical outages. Instead, it’s a good idea to have an electrician double check the home wiring and breaker box for proper capacity.
How Long Does an AC Install Take?
Installing or replacing an AC system takes many steps. Depending on your home’s layout and the type of AC you choose, the installation can take longer than expected.
Be sure to avoid distractions and facilitate access for the technicians during your AC installation. This will allow them to work efficiently and minimize the time it takes to complete the job.
Leveling the Ground
Your outdoor AC condenser should be level for optimum performance. If the ground shifts or tilts, the unit will have to work harder to do its job, and it will wear out sooner.
Keep in mind, too, that direct sunlight can burn the pad beneath your air conditioner. Look for a shady nook that’s out of the sun.
You can also add a base to your AC pad, either by compacting gravel or pouring concrete. This will keep the pad from sinking into the dirt and may prevent unwanted vibration that could knick the tubing connections inside the compressor.
Before the technician arrives, clear away debris, trash cans, BBQ grills, and kids’ toys from the work area. A clutter-free workspace makes it easier for the technician to do his or her job quickly and efficiently.
Installing the Outdoor Unit
An AC install can take longer if you’re doing it alone than it would if you hired a professional team. You also won’t be earning a wage for the hours you spend on the project.
Choosing the wrong location for your outdoor unit is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during their AC installation. It can lead to high electric bills and frequent unit failures that break the bank.
Avoid placing your outdoor unit near gas and oil vents, clothes dryers, or heating ducts as they may block airflow. It’s also important to leave enough space around the outdoor unit for proper ventilation.
You should have at least 4 feet of clearance between the outdoor unit and obstructions like fences, trees, or houses. This allows for adequate heat dissipation and prevents overworking your outdoor unit, which leads to premature component damage. Also, make sure the outdoor unit is elevated so that snow doesn’t build up on it.
Installing the Indoor Unit
A new AC unit install involves positioning and connecting all the indoor equipment, whether it’s the air conditioning system itself or a thermostat or upgraded ductwork. Most professional installation teams provide their customers with a written manual and diagrams that note which pieces connect where. Some general HVAC and electrical knowledge is helpful, but most of this work can be done by a trained technician.
Before installing an indoor air conditioner, it’s important to choose a location that’s at least 3.3 feet (1.0 m) away from any antennas and power or connecting lines used for televisions, radios, home security systems, intercoms, or telephones. These can create electrical noise that interferes with your AC’s efficiency and performance.
Before the installers place your indoor unit, they’ll vacuum out your existing system. This is a safety process that removes any refrigerant that remains in the line set that runs from the outdoor condenser to the indoor evaporator coil.
Installing the Ductwork
Depending on the type of air conditioner you’ve chosen and your home’s layout, you may need ductwork to distribute your conditioned air. Ductwork is a network of metal or synthetic tubes that transports conditioned air throughout your house. It has a plenum, which is the entry end of the ducting; and registers, or discharge fixtures, located in the walls or floor of each room.
A well-designed ductwork system is essential to your HVAC equipment working at its best, and it’s an important component of your indoor air quality. Poorly designed ducts can cause your system to work harder, increasing energy bills and shortening the life of your equipment.
During this step of an AC install, your technician will begin laying the actual ducts. They’ll start at the plenum and work outward from there, attaching each duct to a start collar. They’ll also connect the ducts to each vent and return, sealing them to help prevent leaks.
HOA Management Charlotte
If you are a resident of a Charlotte-area community amshoa | Charlotte, you may be looking for a company that can manage your HOA. Having a HOA is a great benefit, but it can also be a lot of work. Some associations outsource the management of their community to professional community association management companies. A local company that can offer full-service HOA management is Kuester Management Group.
Before choosing a management company, you should discuss your specific needs and expectations. Make sure that the HOA management Charlotte company you choose is equipped to meet these expectations. If you’re a member of the board, you’ll want to choose a company that will meet your expectations and fit your needs.
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An electrician’s job involves a variety of tasks and requires strong communication skills and mechanical skills. They troubleshoot electrical problems and prepare and install electrical wiring. They also install electrical control devices and equipment. Electricians are typically employed by electrical contractors.
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