Whether you’re replacing an old AC unit or installing your first one, a well-performing system depends on proper installation. Unfortunately, even the highest-quality systems can underperform or fail prematurely when installation isn’t done correctly.
Incorrect installation can lead to increased energy bills, poor performance and costly repairs. This guide explores the most common AC installation mistakes and explains how experienced AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATION MILFORD OH professionals avoid them to deliver optimal performance and comfort.
1. Improper Sizing
An air conditioning installation by a trained HVAC professional is one of the most significant investments you can make to improve comfort, reduce energy bills, and extend the lifespan of your system. However, the highest-quality AC unit can still underperform and become costly to operate if improperly installed.
One of the most common mistakes in AC installation is choosing a unit that’s either too large or too small for your home. An oversized system will cool your space quickly but shut off before it completes a full cycle, leading to uneven temperatures and poor humidity control. A system that’s too small will run nonstop trying to meet cooling demands, driving up your energy costs and shortening the lifespan of your unit.
The proper sizing of an AC system is a complex calculation that takes into account a wide range of factors, including your home’s size, insulation, and usage patterns. An experienced technician will perform a thorough load calculation, using industry standards like Manual J to determine your home’s unique cooling needs.
Another factor that can influence AC performance is the level of refrigerant in your system. Too little refrigerant causes your system to struggle to remove heat from the air, while too much restricts airflow and leads to warm air coming out of your vents. Inexperienced contractors often fail to verify that the proper amount of refrigerant is in your system, which can lead to a lack of cooling and high utility bills.
The positioning of your thermostat, outdoor unit, and indoor vents can also have a major impact on your system’s performance. The outdoor unit should be located away from hot surfaces, and your indoor units should be positioned so that they’re not blocked by exterior furnishings or walls. In addition, the indoor vents should be placed high up on the wall or ceiling to avoid clogging and inhibiting airflow.
2. Improper Ductwork Design
Ductwork is responsible for the circulation of air throughout a home, delivering heating and cooling to each room. Unfortunately, it can also be a source of trouble, especially when it’s poorly designed or installed. Often, homeowners don’t even realize that their ductwork has issues until they start experiencing poor airflow and comfort.
Ineffective ductwork design results in hot or cold spots in the home, stuffy and stale air, and higher energy bills. The biggest culprits are leaky or poorly insulated ducts, which reduce efficiency and lead to poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, a professional can perform a thorough inspection and repair to fix these problems.
One common mistake is using ducts that are too large for the system, which causes the ducts to overflow and create air pressure differences that affect both the temperature and flow of air in your home. Likewise, ducts that are filled with bends or kinks waste money by forcing the HVAC system to work harder to get air through them.
Another problem is using too many elbows in the ducts, which disrupt the flow of air and reduces efficiency. The best ducts will have few or no elbows and utilize long, straight stretches whenever possible.
Leaky ducts can pull in dust, mold spores, and allergens from crawlspaces or attics, which leads to poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, by sealing the ducts with mastic sealant or specialized foil tape, you can improve your home’s comfort and save energy.
3. Failing to Conduct a Ductwork Evaluation
Installing a new air conditioning system in an existing property or upgrading an HVAC unit to save energy is a significant investment. To maximize performance and reduce operating costs, the system must be sized and installed correctly. If you hire a professional HVAC contractor for the AC installation process, you can avoid common mistakes that compromise energy efficiency and lead to costly repairs or premature equipment failure.
Even the best air conditioner will underperform if it is attached to ductwork that has poor design or leaks. A duct evaluation can detect leaks, verify that the ducts have adequate insulation, and check for signs of mold or mildew. HVAC professionals can use moisture meters to determine if the ducts are wet, and airflow meters to identify areas of restricted or obstructed flow.
Ductwork problems can also have a noticeable impact on indoor air quality. If duct leaks or blockages are not addressed, pollutants will circulate throughout the home, aggravating allergies and other respiratory issues. A duct evaluation can identify and repair any problems, making your home more comfortable and healthy to live in.
Many states require a permit and inspection for AC installation, and failing to obtain these permits can have serious consequences, including fines, failed home inspections, and voided warranties. Additionally, attempting to do a DIY air conditioner installation can damage the equipment and lead to voiding of any warranties. A professional technician will ensure compliance with all local building codes, ensuring that the air conditioner is properly sized and installed to meet your property’s cooling requirements. In addition, the expert will evaluate the ductwork to prevent costly energy waste due to leaks and poor insulation.
4. Focusing Only on the Upfront Price
Purchasing and installing an AC system is an expensive investment for most homeowners. The good news is that a high-quality system will reduce energy bills and improve comfort in your home for years to come. However, this is only true if the installation process is done correctly. Choosing an inexperienced contractor or trying to DIY an AC replacement can lead to costly mistakes that result in decreased efficiency, higher energy bills and premature system failure.
One of the most common AC installation mistakes is choosing an improperly sized unit. If the system is too big for your home, it will short cycle frequently and reduce energy efficiency. On the other hand, if it is too small, it will overwork itself to cool your home, leading to premature wear and tear and a shorter lifespan for the equipment.
Another common mistake is failing to have a proper airflow evaluation conducted. This will help to ensure that the ductwork is properly sized, sealed and insulated. It will also check for any leaks or blockages that need to be fixed. This is important as poor ductwork can seriously affect how well an AC system performs.
Finally, it is vital to have the refrigerant levels checked after installation. Leaks can severely reduce efficiency and cause your system to overheat. In addition, a leaking refrigerant will result in increased utility costs as the system will have to work harder to maintain the right temperature.
5. Failing to Perform a Comprehensive System Test
A professional HVAC technician will check the system for airflow, electrical requirements, sizing, placement and other important factors that determine how efficiently your home cools. They can also conduct a thorough ductwork evaluation to ensure the new AC is compatible with your ducts for optimal performance and efficiency. This includes ensuring all ducts are properly sized and sealed, with no leaks or blockages that can cause poor performance. Avoiding these mistakes can save Maryland homeowners thousands in energy costs, repair bills and uncomfortable living conditions.
Inexperienced installers can make several errors during AC installation that affect system functionality and performance. From choosing the wrong system size to improper thermostat placement, these mistakes can result in increased cooling costs, high energy bills and inefficient home comfort.
One of the most common AC installation mistakes is installing a unit that is too large for the space it’s supposed to cool. This can cause the unit to work harder, leading to premature wear and tear. It’s vital that a qualified technician performs a Manual J load calculation to identify the best size unit for a home.
Another mistake is placing the thermostat too close to heat-generating appliances or windows. This can lead to inaccurate readings, which can result in inconsistent temperatures and poor performance. Lastly, installing the drain line too low or failing to install a float switch is a serious problem that can lead to water back up into your home. A qualified professional will ensure the proper sloping of the drain line to prevent this issue.
It’s crucial to hire experienced professionals for all your AC installations and repairs. Cutting corners by hiring unqualified contractors can void your warranty, cause safety risks and result in higher energy bills and frequent breakdowns. Contact a licensed, professional HVAC company in Woodridge, IL to avoid these mistakes and enjoy an efficient, comfortable and healthy home.