Installing an air conditioning unit in your home is a fairly simple DIY task, provided you’re installing either a window model or a wall unit. However, installing a central air conditioning unit is certainly not a DIY job! It takes experts with many years of experience and training to perform the job right and in a timely manner. If you want to avoid all the mistakes that can potentially cost you thousands of dollars in air conditioning repair, air conditioning installation, or cooling related complications, you’ll need to put some careful planning into place.
First, think about how energy efficient your new system should be. How efficient does it need to be? One of the most important considerations when choosing an air conditioning company is whether they’ll be using the most efficient equipment for your new unit. The more efficient the equipment they use, the less you’ll have to pay for your monthly energy bill. Ask any contractor you might contact about their rates, and consider them when choosing a contractor to install your new system.
Another consideration for your central air conditioning installation is the estimated number of hours of operation required for your unit. If you’re installing a window model, the typical time of use is ten hours, while wall units typically run twenty-four hours a day. Again, this is an area where it’s best to consult a professional before making a final decision. One area of controversy regarding window models is their dependency on natural daylight. In most cases, window models run just as well without daylight, saving you on the amount of electricity used to operate the unit. If, however, you’re installing an older model that requires a battery backup, make sure that your batteries are durable and that they have a long life expectancy before installing the unit.
Finally, on an air-conditioning installation, efficiency should be your main consideration. Air conditioners, unlike air heaters, lose efficiency over time. This means that as soon as they’ve been installed, the units will have to work even harder to maintain their cool temperature. Choose a model that has the highest level of efficiency to cut down on the amount of unnecessary energy use. Most models offer a rating somewhere in the spectrum between “efficient” and “efficient with a little extra” to provide all the information you need to choose the best unit.
One final point to discuss in your air conditioning installation is the connection between your heating and cooling ductwork and the cooling unit itself. Unlike air heaters, which rely on a separate ductwork for their operation, air conditioners utilize a single duct for both purposes. For this reason, air conditioners require far less maintenance than their heat generating counterparts. Ducts may need to be cleaned or replaced periodically, but in general a good air conditioning installation shouldn’t require any other type of major maintenance once the unit is up and running.
When choosing an air conditioning installation, don’t forget about how much money you’ll save once you install a new HVAC system. With air conditioning systems, you can typically expect to pay at least two to three times more in heating and cooling costs than you would with an alternative heating and cooling solution. The new air conditioner will likely pay for itself in no time at all, but you can expect that savings to increase over time as well. Consider getting a financial plan that provides for a projected return on investment, so you can better understand what you’re spending your money on. Your HVAC contractor can help you create this budget as well, and he can also discuss ways to reduce your heating and cooling costs further.