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.