AC Installation: What You Need to Know Before You Install

AC Installation Errors That Can Affect Your System Efficiency

“In the U.S., we only have two seasons: the heating season and the cooling season!”

Visitors and immigrants to our fair shore notice our dependence upon conditioning indoor space for our comfort as a unique feature of American life. Heating and cooling are quintessential features of modern living, in both urban and rural residential settings. Approximately 90% of U.S. homes have heating, ventilation, and air conditioner (HVAC) systems.¹

HVAC systems are mechanical systems that apply electrical and chemical technology to control the temperature, humidity, and quality of indoor air. Like every mechanical system, they require maintenance and have a limited useful life–air conditioners typically last about 15 years, and furnaces last about 20 years. Since the average home mortgage has a 30-year term, most homeowners will need to replace at least one HVAC system at some point. This AC Installation purchase happens so infrequently that few homeowners approach the decision with total confidence. However, by gathering useful information, homeowners can avoid common mistakes.

Focusing on cost instead of quality. Replacement cost is a big deal! An unexpected failure can lead to panicky decision-making that leads to buyer’s regret. Remember, this new system will service the family’s home for the next few decades; the lowest-priced product and installation cost might not be the best bargain. It is best to:

• Plan the purchase whenever possible. Research the age of your current system and budget for replacement purchase.
• Research the HVAC needs of your home. Most HVAC contractors will run a load calculation at no cost, to help a homeowner determine the proper size of the air conditioner and heater. This formula takes into consideration regional climate, square footage, numbers and sizes of windows and doors, insulation quality, room layout, and more.
• Ask questions. The lowest-priced system may use a refrigerant that is being phased out and servicing the system over a few decades can get expensive.

Insist on an improperly sized system. The load calculation completed on your home may indicate a replacement sized differently from your present system. Technological innovations or remodeling/room additions may factor in a size change. The importance of purchasing a properly sized system cannot be overemphasized.

• A system that is too small will be inadequate to comfortably heat or cool your home. This will require the system to run longer than it normally would and the added stress on components will shorten the useful years of service.
• A system that is too large will cool and heat your home too quickly. Instead of running too long, it repeatedly turns off and on, again stressing the electrical components. In addition, a short cooling cycle does not give the air conditioner sufficient time to remove humidity from the air. Moisture makes surfaces sticky and the air stuffy.

Component replacement instead of system replacement. While it is true that furnaces typically last a few years longer than air conditioners, most installation contractors recommend replacing both at the same time. Heating and cooling components are manufactured to be paired together to ensure controls and refrigerant function properly and efficiently. Replacing components individually can lead to conflicting technology.

Overlooking valuable features. Talk with the installation contractor about options that increase the safety and convenience of the new system.

• Heat pump technology that uses the air conditioner condenser to heat the home as well.
• Smart thermostats offer a customized schedule for heating and cooling that adds comfort and saves money. The cellphone app has remarkable features that are worth exploring.
• Ultraviolet lights inside the ductwork neutralize organic particles in the air, such as pollen, dust mites, and viruses.

Ignoring preventative maintenance. The warranty for new HVAC systems requires annual maintenance to keep the policy active. Maintenance extends the useful years for HVAC systems and elevates efficiency. Regular checkups catch small problems before they become large problems. Prepare for regular maintenance to get the most from a new HVAC system.

Make R.M. Mullinix Your Go-To For all AC Installation Questions

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC Installation services, schedule an appointment, or visit our AC Installation information page.

¹ https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=52558#:~:text=Nearly%2090%25%20of%20U.S.%20households%20used%20air%20conditioning%20in%202020&text=In%202020%2C%20the%20Midwest%20Census,%25%20and%2093%25%2C%20respectively