AC Unit Installation: Your Go-To Checklist

Given that spring is around the corner, quite a few of us are already dreaming of the summer sun. And, when the heat’s involved, air conditioning units aren’t far behind. Installing an air conditioner is a vital step in ensuring thermal comfort within your indoor spaces, especially during those warm summer months. Whether it be in homes, offices, or stores, effective air conditioning can make for a truly enjoyable and productive space. 

However, before jumping right in, you have to have some knowledge about the different types of AC units retailed, as well as important factors to consider when choosing a system suited to area-specific needs.

This article serves as a guide, detailing practical advice, ensuring your project is done effectively for additional peace of mind.

BEFORE KICKSTARTING YOUR PROJECT

To ensure a successful project outcome and avoid any delays, proper preparation is key. Take some time to assess your needs, establish a budget, and select contractors with whom you’d like to work. Replacing an air conditioning system is a delicate matter given the costs involved and the need for a professional installation. However, ignoring the red flags that may compromise your comfort and safety at home isn’t advisable. Act now, or regret it later!

Home AC Unit Installation Keywords

Lifespan

An air conditioning unit’s lifespan can waver based on several factors, such as:

• Manufacturing quality

• Regular maintenance

• Usage

• Environmental conditions

Typically, a well-maintained air conditioner will last an average of 10 to 15 years. However, some well-kept, high-end models will surpass said duration. 

Energy Savings

Adopt energy-saving practices when using your air conditioner to reduce energy costs. Simple measures, such as sustaining a reasonable indoor temperature, typically around 24°C, and using fans to help airflow, will lessen the demand on the AC unit. Furthermore, installing a programmable thermostat allows you to manage the temperature based on needs, preventing the waste of energy when no one is home.

Maintenance

Regular air conditioner maintenance is key to ensuring proper unit functioning and long-lasting service life. This typically entails regularly cleaning or replacing the filters to maintain quality air and allow for maximum airflow. Furthermore, it’s advised to regularly check and clean exterior units to remove any debris or obstructions that may hinder proper airflow. 

Installation Cost

Installation costs may vary based on the complexity of the installation, most notably in terms of indoor and outdoor unit positioning, the need to carry out additional work, such as drilling through walls or putting in ducts, as well as complying with local standards. Normally, single-room AC units, such as wall-mounted or window air conditioners, are less expensive compared to installing a central AC system.

Environmental Consequences

Air conditioning can have dire environmental consequences, most notably due to the use of refrigerants, which contribute to global warming, energy surges from non-renewable sources, chemical products and materials used during the manufacturing and disposal stages. To minimize impact, it’s paramount to reduce energy consumption, opt for energy-efficient systems, and properly recycle out-of-order AC units.

Questions to Ask Yourself to Determine Your Needs

Have you yet to decide on which type of air conditioning system best suits your needs? Before making a purchase you might later come to regret, you first have to ask yourself a few questions to ascertain your needs better.

Is there an air conditioning system installed already?

It may be that your household air conditioning system functions properly, but isn’t effectively cooling certain areas. For example, you may have installed a wall-mounted AC in main areas, but, over time, noticed that rarely used rooms do require regular cooling. In such a case, consider purchasing portable units specifically to that effect—in rooms with limited cool airflow.

What are my aesthetic preferences?

When choosing an air conditioner, it’s important to take into account aesthetic considerations to ensure the device blends into your living space seamlessly. Opt for a design that fits with your interior décor, whether it be modern, classic, or rustic. Wall-mounted air conditioners make for subtle and elegant devices, whereas portable units can be more versatile, yet do take up a bit of floor space. 

Furthermore, the unit’s colour and finish can also be an important factor, overall. Taking into account this aesthetic aspect, you can choose an air conditioner that meets your needs in terms of comfort, while adding a stylish touch to your home.

Budget 

Air conditioning unit price points vary based on several factors, such as the following:

• Unit size and cooling capacity: AC units are retailed in a range of sizes and cooling capacities to meet the specific needs of a given space. The greater the capacity, the steeper the price tag.

• System type: Different air conditioning systems, such as central systems, wall-mounted units, portable devices, etc., have differing upfront costs on account of their features and installation complexity.

• The system’s energy efficiency: Effective air conditioning systems—energy-efficiency-wise—can be more pricey, but can be quite cost-effective long term, based on lower electricity bills.

• Unit brand and quality: Reputable brands and high-end products are more expensive, but offer the best reliability, better durability, and top-notch post-purchase customer service.

• Additional accessories and features: Some air conditioning systems are equipped with additional accessories or features, such as HEPA filters, programmable thermostats, remote Wi-Fi controllers, etc., which all amount to a higher price tag.

To purchase the right unit, exploring the different options made available to you is mandatory. Do your research and request quotes from several different distributors. Proceeding as such allows you to have a better understanding of what’s available prior to purchasing a unit.

Working with a Contractor

Working with a contractor to install an air conditioning unit has a plethora of upsides. First off, specialized trade contractors have the necessary expertise to assess your air conditioning-specific needs as well as recommend the system best suited to your space. Their experience also allows them to guarantee an adequate installation, compliant with safety and quality standards, which can prevent problems down the line and prolong the service life of your cooling system. Furthermore, hiring a contractor gives you professional support throughout the process, from the initial planning stages to post-installation maintenance, providing you with peace of mind and guaranteed satisfaction.

Do you have to hire a services company to clean and maintain an AC?

To ensure the proper functioning of your air conditioning system, you have to carry out regular maintenance procedures. Inquire as to how often it’s recommended for your specific air conditioning system, the potential need to hire a professional, and the going rate for their services. HVAC maintenance services companies typically have excellent customer service.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF AIR CONDITIONERS?

Window Air Conditioner

Window air conditioners are practical and cost-effective solutions to cool a specific area. These devices are simple to install as they are designed to suit most standard window types. Their compact design renders them ideal for small settings or homes in which installing bigger devices just isn’t an option. Moreover, they’re often cheaper to buy and maintain compared to other AC units. Despite their restricted sizing, they still have effective cooling capacities for small- to medium-sized rooms, ensuring thermal comfort during those warmer summer months.

Portable AC

Portable air conditioners allow for unparalleled flexibility and are a precious commodity for cooling spaces. Their main advantage resides in their portability: they can be moved easily from one room to another based on current needs. Furthermore, these devices are easy to set up and typically don’t call for extensive work to be done. Portable ACs are also ideal for individuals leasing a home or apartment or those not looking for permanent installations. Despite their compact sizing, these units effectively cool down medium-sized rooms, offering immediate comfort in various settings.

Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner

Wall-mounted air conditioning has more than a few upsides, most notably its ease of installation and uncumbersome factor. By installing the unit directly on the wall, it optimizes the indoor space, while offering accurate temperature control within the space. Furthermore, wall-mounted air conditioners are often especially energy efficient and typically feature energy-saving options. Given their subtlety and capacity to cool areas swiftly, these devices make for sought-after options for residential and commercial spaces where a simple and effective installation is needed.

Heat Pump

Heat pumps have a lot of air conditioning upsides. First off, they’re especially effective in terms of energy efficiency since they function based on heat transfer from one area to another rather than producing it. This means that heat pumps can be used for heating and air conditioning purposes with less power consumption compared to other systems. Furthermore, heat pumps are typically more eco-friendly since they use renewable energy sources such as outdoor air or the earth. They also have accurate temperature readings and can be quieter compared to traditional air conditioning systems. Lastly, they can be used year-round to heat and cool, which is a versatile and economical indoor comfort solution.

Reversible Air Conditioning

A reversible air conditioner typically consists of two parts: an indoor and an outdoor unit. The interior unit seizes the calories inside, releasing them outside, thereby producing cold air for air conditioning needs. In contrast, the exterior unit hinges on outdoor calories, transferring them inside, ensuring the dwelling is heated during wintertime. Exterior calories can be used up to temperatures ranging from 5 to 7 degrees Celsius. A multi-split system features several indoor units connected to several outdoor units. 

Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioners, albeit rather costly, are environmentally beneficial given their energy efficiency, centralized temperature control, better durability, use of eco-friendly refrigerants, and limited noise level. Characteristics as such contribute to the minimized use of energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making central air conditioning an eco-friendly and sustainable indoor comfort option.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN AIR CONDITIONER

When planning on installing an air conditioner, several factors must be taken into consideration:

• System type selection: Opt for an air conditioning system that’s best suited to your needs, whether that be a central, wall-mounted, portable, etc. unit.

• System’s power demand: Determine the BTU size you need based on the space to cool, the number of dwellers, the building’s insulation, electric equipment, etc.

• Energy efficiency assessment: Opt for energy-efficient equipment to reduce long-term costs and minimize environmental impact.

• Thermal load calculation: Calculate the thermal load to determine the system’s required cooling capacity, while considering factors such as the building’s geographical positioning, solar heat gains, insulation, etc.

• Regulation compliance: Make sure the installation is compliant with local regulations in terms of safety, zoning, energy efficiency, and building permits.

• Budget and financial planning: Establish a realistic budget for system purchase and installation, while also taking into account upfront costs as well as long-term maintenance and functioning costs.

By considering the above-mentioned aspects during the planning stages of your air conditioning system installation, you can ensure the system purchased will meet your cooling needs while respecting budgetary constraints and regulations.

HOW TO SURVIVE THE INSTALLATION

Based on your needs, replacing an air conditioning system can be considered a large-scale endeavour, especially if you’re considering replacing all devices. As a result, it might hinder your day-to-day life over a few days. To limit inconveniences, it’s best to come up with a plan that will allow you to go about your life as you normally would. If you work from home, plan on setting up shop in a temporary spot so as not to be disturbed by the noise generated from ongoing work.

What else should be considered?

Spot the areas where you think it might be best to install indoor and outdoor units while taking into account structural restrictions, airflow, noise, and aesthetics.

Also, when you’re ready to request quotes from different contractors, take this opportunity to solicit a professional’s expertise regarding your home’s insulation. If you notice that your air conditioning system can’t maintain a comfortable temperature, even though it’s working effectively, it may be that your insulation is at fault.

Choosing the Right Air Conditioner

The importance of choosing an air conditioning system adapted to your needs is greatly underestimated. Whether it be a central system for even air distribution, a wall-mounted unit meant for a subtle solution, a portable AC for mobility, or a window-mounted device for simplicity, every option has its unique advantages. Assessing your needs and requirements carefully in terms of comfort, budget, and energy efficiency is vital prior to making a decision. With meticulous planning and a professional installation, you can create a comfortable and enjoyable indoor setting, seasons be damned.