When you let a qualified HVAC technician preform a professional A/C installation, you’ll be living with the benefits for as long as you own the unit. However, if the A/C is installed improperly, you could face many issues. Studies have shown that total declines in energy efficiency and cooling performance of an air conditioner can be as high as 36 percent when industry-standard techniques aren’t followed before, during and after installation.
Only a reputable local HVAC contractor has the credentials and expertise to ensure these elements of a professional A/C installation:
Proper Sizing
It has nothing to do with the dimensions of the unit but everything to do with how effectively and efficiently it does its job. “Sizing” means matching the capacity of the unit in BTUs (British thermal units) to the home’s individual thermal characteristics and cooling load. Proper sizing is determined by an HVAC technician conducting a room-by-room survey using Manual J software, the industry standard program for calculating cooling load.
Duct Leakage
Connecting a new state-of-the-art A/C to aging, deteriorated ductwork is false economy. The Department of Energy reports that energy waste averages 15 percent when duct leakage issues are not addressed at installation. An HVAC contractor can pressure test the ducts to quantify the extent of leakage and pinpoint the location of leaks for professional sealing.
Optimum Airflow
Uniform distribution of cool air to all parts of the home is verified by airflow measurements. Adjustments are made to ductwork dampers to balance the flow of air throughout the entire home. The optimum state for cooling is neutral air balance in each room as airflow entering through supply vents equals the volume drawn out through returns.
Refrigerant Test
Most A/C units come pre-charged with refrigerant. Once the unit is installed and refrigerant conduits connected, however, that level may be insufficient or leakage may occur. Refrigerant levels should be verified before and during the installation, as well as after the unit is test-run.
To schedule a professional A/C installation in the Twin Cities, contact the experts at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about A/C installations and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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