When it comes to selecting a new cooling system, there’s more to it than picking an air conditioner big enough to cool your home. Performance can vary based on equipment size, equipment efficiency, installation, type of refrigerant, ductwork, and long-term maintenance.
By knowing what to analyze prior to installation, homeowners can help prevent many of the more typical errors. It can be worthwhile to take time to compare equipment and installation requirements to achieve improved comfort, more certain operating costs, and reliable performance.
Start With Your Home’s Cooling Requirements
Each house requires a different type of cooling requirement. While square footage is important, it’s not all you need to consider. Existing ductwork and local climate, along with insulation, window configuration, and the amount of sunlight exposure, may all affect the cooling requirements.
Don’t just go with the size of the previous equipment. If there is too much air conditioning, it can run too often and will not be efficient and could have an effect on controlling the humidity. Oversizing can cause equipment wear and decrease efficiency. A professional load calculation is more accurate than a standard one based on floor area.
Compare Efficiency and Long-Term Operating Costs
Compare the efficiency ratings of the equipment, and factor in the number of times the system will be in use throughout the cooling season. A more efficient device can cost more initially, but have lower operating expenses over its life.
You should also take into account the maintenance needs, warranties, replacement parts, and the status of current ductwork for your home. The best equipment can’t perform the most efficiently if it’s not installed right.
What to Expect From Professional Air Conditioning Installation
A professional air conditioning installation is quite a bit more than placing an outdoor unit and joining a few lines. A professional contractor should evaluate cooling needs, equipment compatibility, electrical requirements, lines, condensate drainage, flow, and ductwork.
Have the contractor describe the equipment, why it is the right size for your property, and any maintenance that it will need. Prevention of misunderstanding after installation can be achieved through clear communication before the installation.
What Homeowners Should Know About R410A Refrigerant
Many existing residential air conditioners use R410A refrigerant, but homeowners should understand the distinction between servicing an existing system and installing a new one. This does not automatically mean that an existing R-410A air conditioner needs to be replaced.
Older systems can generally continue to receive appropriate repairs and servicing throughout their useful life. If an existing system develops a refrigerant leak or requires a recharge, homeowners should have the issue assessed by a qualified professional rather than attempting to handle refrigerant themselves.
Check the Details Before Installation Day
Homeowners will find the installation process easier if they prepare some questions beforehand. Inquire if the ductwork currently in place will be checked, if there are any electrical upgrades required, the type of warranty offered, and the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
Additionally, the type of refrigerant the new equipment will use should be verified. The refrigerant used for a new system may influence equipment selection and future servicing due to changes in refrigerant requirements.
It makes comparisons easier to make when there’s a written quote that spells out the equipment, labor, warranty details, and any extra work.