How to Efficiently Install a New Air Conditioner

Few things are worse during a record-breaking heat wave than going to use your central air conditioner and it either: 1) works poorly, or 2) does not work at all. Further, the problem could only be occurring in one or two rooms, or could be the result of multiple problems such as bad coils, faulty ductwork, or other equipment issues.

And even if you can get your air conditioner to turn on, energy leaks and inefficient equipment can not only cost thousands of dollars per year, but also leave your family sweltering this summer. So before trying to track down another window unit that will likely make the problem worse, it would be a great idea to call your HVAC manufacturer to have them take a look at the system to ensure that it is operating properly and efficiently as well as inspect the home for energy leaks.

In truth, it could be energy leaks leading you to believe that your air conditioner is not working as well as it used to, but once that possibility is eliminated, it is time to look at the central air conditioning unit itself. 

Preparing for Installation

Important: The replacement of the central air conditioning unit involves the handling of EPA-regulated chemicals and sensitive electronic components. Installation should only be done by a trained and licensed professional.

Since the fun part of actually installing the unit has been left to the professionals, your task as the homeowner is to ensure that future repairs and maintenance go smoothly. One way to do this is to go against the previously accepted wisdom of placing outside air conditioning units on concrete pads, and using composite pads instead. While the latter is designed to last the lifetime of the air conditioner itself, the shape of concrete stays static over time and thus, never adapts with newer systems.

It is also a good idea to keep records of all past repairs, which will help answer many of the installation team leader’s questions during the pre-installation inspection. And of course, be sure to change your HVAC filters every 6 months or as needed depending on your usage.

Once everything is cleaned up after installation, the team leader will typically give you a tour of the work that was completed, along with a tutorial on how to operate the new thermostat, and anything else before collecting payment.

So, in an idealistic situation, the energy leaks would have been the problem, but in the event that both energy leaks and the HVAC system need to be addressed, you can then know that your system is operating efficiently and that none of it is flying out into the open sky.

How FAMCO Can Help

We are one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of HVAC supplies and accessories in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are looking for a few parts for a weekend build or a truckload for a huge project, FAMCO has you covered. If you have any questions about our products or services, please feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We would be more than happy to help.