While the efficiency of an air conditioner is a major factor in how well it operates, it’s not the only one. The quality of an A/C installation is also important. Improperly installed cooling systems may see efficiency reduced by as much as 30 percent, according to Energy Star, and roughly 50 percent of these appliances are incorrectly installed. You can avoid this by having your new air conditioning system installation performed by a qualified, reputable HVAC professional who pays special attention to these four important factors.
Unit Size
The first step is to determine the home’s cooling load. Once your HVAC professional has calculated the cooling load, they can then choose the right unit to meet that load. An oversized A/C won’t be able to adequately dehumidify air, as it will cycle on and off too frequently. Cycling too frequently also wears out A/C components, which shortens the unit’s life.
Ductwork
If there are leaks in your home’s ductwork, you won’t be getting the full benefit of the conditioned air generated by the air conditioner. Energy will be wasted as air leaks from the duct connections. Proper duct installation involves the use of metal reinforced duct tape and mastic sealant to seal the ducts.
Airflow
An HVAC professional will use the manufacturer’s recommendations for adjusting the rate of air moving through the system. If this rate is set too low, your home won’t get enough cooled air.
Refrigerant Level
The manufacturer will provide recommendations on the right refrigerant charge. Your HVAC professional will use this to calculate the charge for your home’s cooling system. If there isn’t enough refrigerant in the system, it won’t cool your home adequately and will cause the unit to use more energy.
Learn more about the A/C installation services offered by the pros at E. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning, or give us a call us at 678-905-3341 for help with your home comfort concerns.
