Installing Central Air Conditioning
Written by No Doubt Marketing
Installing central air conditioning may be a complex job, depending on the circumstances of your home, but it is a home improvement you'll be glad you completed.
Installing central air is not a “do it yourself” job. There are complex duct and wiring issues to work out, and there are legal permits and codes with which an installer must comply. Be sure to hire a reputable contractor you trust to complete your installation.
Before a contractor goes to work to install your air conditioning system, there are a few items you'll want to take care of. First ask the contractor for a copy of current insurance and bonding papers. Be sure the policies have not expired. While usually nothing goes wrong, you do not want to be left without recourse if there is a problem.
You'll want to make a call to the Better Business Bureau and local consumer affairs departments for any complaint records. You may also want to ask if the technicians have any certification, such as North American Technician Excellence or the HVAC Excellence certificates. While these are not necessary, they do indicate the technician's dedication to knowing the latest regulations and techniques are likely to be high quality service providers.
Be sure the price you've agreed upon for the installation of central air includes the cost of any required permits and inspections from your local government. Sometimes there are no requirements for a simple replacement, but often there are, so be sure the contractor knows the laws and complies.
You want to be sure the contractor has calculated the size of air conditioner you ned to have installed based on manual J. It's a rather complex calculation, but it pays off in greater efficiency and comfort for you if the contractor does it right the first time. Get several bids before you choose a specific contractor so that you know you're getting the right furnace. If one contractor comes up with a significantly different BTU recommendation, then you may want to investigate further, even if the price seems better.
It's a good idea to negotiate an extended service contract into the price of the installation. You'll want to have a regular inspection that includes checking for leaks in the refrigeration lines, repairing any duct leaks, inspecting all wiring and connections, cleaning the coils and drains, and vacuuming the blower compartment.
If you are replacing a central air conditioner, then the installation should be simpler. Be sure that the contractor has allowed for the cost of removing the old unit in his or her bid, and that they will dispose of the old unit for you. Be sure that they have considered the compatibility of new equipment with existing equipment, and that they included any electrical work into their bid.
Most systems are a split system, with a blower inside the home and a compressor or condensor outside the home. The heat pump system works in a similar way, as does the new ductless “mini split” system.
With care and preparation, you can have a successful central air installation that bring comfort to your family all summer.
