Air conditioning installation is often expensive, particularly if the system needs to be sized for your home and the existing ductwork needs to be modified. This is where Air Conditioning Installation Los Angeles can help.
Good HVAC companies will send you photos and bios of the team that will be arriving on the day of your installation. This gives you confidence that your air conditioner is being installed by professionals.
Air conditioning installation involves a lot of moving parts and equipment. A few simple preparation steps can make things go much more smoothly for both you and the installation team.
First, mark out a spot for your new AC system. Ensure that the space is clear of furniture, barbecues, garbage cans, kids’ toys, and other items that could get in the way during the installation process. Outdoors, this means trimming any overhanging trees or other plants that might interfere with the operation of your new HVAC system.
Then, have a power outlet ready for the connection of your new air conditioner. Make sure that it is on a dedicated power strip and not shared with other appliances or lights in your home. A technician will need to connect the air conditioner’s line set to a power outlet, and it is important that this is done properly.
A professional will install hangers around the area where the line passes through the wall. They will then roll out the line set and push it until it is close enough to reach the service valve on the outdoor unit. Then the technician will connect it to that valve and seal the hole drilled in the wall.
This step is an important part of preparing your air conditioner for refrigerant use. It makes it more difficult for hot air or insects to enter the line set, which is important for your comfort and safety. Depending on the type of system you have installed, your technician may need to test and recharge it as well.
Central air systems use large ducts to distribute cold air throughout a structure. They typically have outdoor units mounted on an exterior wall next to a building and indoor evaporator coils that are attached to the furnace. Ductless mini-split systems use individual evaporator and fan units for each room in a building or home. These units are connected by a system of piping that cycles fluid, usually water or refrigerant, to transfer heat from the ground to a structure’s air. This type of system can also help reduce energy costs by using less power to cool a space.
Installation
Air conditioning installation is a major project, and there are many steps that need to be completed. It is important that you understand the process so that you can feel confident that your installer is completing everything necessary to ensure that your new system will provide cooling comfort for years to come.
Before the new AC unit can be installed, the old one must be removed. This is a time-consuming process that involves laying down floor protection and turning off the electrical and gas supply to the existing equipment. The installer will also handle the disposal of the old equipment.
Once the old unit is removed, the installer will prepare the area where the new air conditioner will be placed. They will clean the window sill where the unit will sit, as well as remove any screens and debris. Then they will install a composite pad that is specifically designed to hold an air conditioning unit. The pad is a much safer and more durable option than pouring a concrete pad, as it will not crack or shift over the life of your new air conditioner.
When the air conditioning unit is delivered, it will be uncrated and inspected for damage. This is a vital step in the process, as any damage could affect performance and safety. A qualified technician will report any damage to you before continuing with the installation.
The installer will then install the piping that will connect the indoor evaporator coil to the outdoor condenser unit. This piping will also be connected to the electrical service panel. If the current panel cannot support the additional load of the new air conditioner, the installer will install an electrical service upgrade.
Next, the installer will connect the refrigerant line set to the evaporator coil and to the furnace. This is done using a special vacuum that will remove any air or other contaminants that are not part of the refrigerant. It will take up to an hour to complete this portion of the installation.
If you have chosen to purchase a new thermostat with your air conditioner, the installer will connect this during this step as well. This will allow the thermostat to properly control your new air conditioner.
Commissioning
Commissioning is the process that ensures an HVAC system works as the designer intended. It consists of a comprehensive checklist to verify the installation, test for correct operation, and document all equipment installed. This includes a thorough check of the ducting, a review of the piping to make sure it is the correct size, a check for proper insulation and support, as well as a verification that all wiring and electrical connections are properly completed. It also includes a complete inspection of the air conditioning unit itself and a check of its operation to make sure it falls within the manufacturer’s specifications.
The commissioning team will also verify that the proper refrigerant has been inserted into the system. They will also make sure that the outdoor unit and indoor unit can communicate with one another. They will also check the supply voltages, check that all safety devices are functioning correctly, and adjust thermostat settings to ensure they operate properly.
This is a crucial step that is often overlooked or skipped by many companies. It is a lengthy process that requires training and specialized equipment to perform correctly. It also takes up more time on the job site. It’s easy to see why some companies may be tempted to skip this important step, but it is a gamble that you should not be willing to take with your money or comfort.
It’s best to have your air conditioning system commissioned as soon as possible. Doing this at the earliest opportunity will give you peace of mind that your new system is operating as it should. It will also allow you to have any issues that are found addressed in a timely manner before the building’s occupants move in.
Commissioning can be difficult because of the nature of the work. It is labor-intensive and requires working in tight, hot spaces—scorching attics or musty crawlspaces—for hours on end. This can cause fatigue and errors, so it’s important to have a trained professional do the commissioning. They will bring a fresh set of eyes to the project, allowing them to spot any mistakes that might have been made.
Maintenance
Keeping your air conditioning system in good condition is an important part of home maintenance. While you can perform some of the tasks on your own, it’s best to hire a qualified professional for routine maintenance. This will keep your system running smoothly and prevent costly repairs.
Before starting any air conditioner maintenance, turn off the power to the unit at the breaker box and exterior shut-off switch near the unit. Also, check the unit to ensure it is clean and that there are no obstructions. If there is a cover on the air conditioning unit, remove it and look inside to make sure all parts are in working order.
Once the installer is finished uncrating the unit, they will inspect it for any damage that may have occurred in transit. They will then set the condenser on the composite pad that was installed earlier. Then they will connect the copper line set to the new air conditioner by fitting it in the service valve and using a special filler rod that melts the lines together, creating a leak-free connection.
The next step is to check the drain line and remove any debris that has collected. Moisture produced by the cooling process travels down a PVC pipe to the evaporator coil and is drained through an interior drain pan or a condensate pump if the house doesn’t have a floor drain. It’s important to note that moisture can cause mold, bacteria, and other contaminants to grow, so it is vital to clean the drain line regularly.
Finally, the technicians will check that the evaporator coil is clean and free of dirt, debris, and insects. They will also check the refrigerant level and replace it if necessary. It’s also a good time to add a fresh layer of insulation.
You should do your own inspections, but it is better to let a professional take care of the more complicated tasks, such as adding refrigerant. It’s also a good idea to get a maintenance agreement with a local company that provides professional servicing and warranty protection.