Key Elements of a Professional A/C Installation

Don’t assume that upgrading your home’s air conditioning system just involves selecting the perfect A/C for your home. Professional A/C installation is imperative if you want your central air conditioner to operate with expected efficiency and cooling performance for many years to come.

The federal Energy Star program states that an improperly installed A/C can be 30 percent less energy efficient than one that’s correctly installed. Moreover, Energy Star says that as many as half of the A/C systems in use today are improperly installed.

Keys to Professional A/C Installation

  • Proper sizing. A reliable HVAC contractor should use the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s Manual J cooling load calculation software to figure out the correct A/C capacity for your home. This takes into account your home’s size and layout, along with other factors, such as your home’s orientation to the sun, airtightness and insulation levels. An undersized cooling system will struggle to cool your home on hot days, while an oversized system will cycle on and off frequently, resulting in wasted energy, inconsistent cooling, stressed A/C components and poor humidity control.
  • Charging the refrigerant correctly. It’s essential that the refrigerant be properly charged in your new A/C. If the level is too high or too low, it can reduce efficiency and eventually lead to system breakdowns.
  • Checking airflow. Your technician should make sure that your system airflow is strong enough to distribute air throughout your home. There should be enough air moving across the evaporator coil to allow for effective heat exchange.
  • Ductwork should be tight. Your A/C installer should inspect your home’s ductwork to ensure it’s connected properly and well-sealed against air leaks. You can have the best A/C in the world, but if it’s leaking air, you won’t receive the cooling performance you expect. Your technician should also make sure your ducts aren’t blocked or failing at any spot.

To schedule a professional A/C installation in your Greater Kansas City home, please contact Overland Park Heating and Cooling, Inc.