A new air conditioner adds value to your home, reduces energy costs, and ensures comfort. However, an air conditioning installation must be performed correctly to achieve these benefits.
Professional installation teams double-check every component to ensure the system meets manufacturers’ specifications and will deliver years of trouble-free operation. Air Conditioning Installation Los Angeles team will also explain how to operate and maintain the system.
Preparation
If you’re planning to install a new air conditioning system in your home, several steps need to be taken care of to ensure that the installation goes smoothly. This includes choosing a contractor that is qualified, licensed, insured, and has the skills to complete a professional job. It is important to choose a contractor that has good reviews and references, and who understands the type of AC unit you are interested in. It is also a good idea to avoid contractors that advertise the lowest prices. They may be able to save you money upfront, but a low-quality installation job can cost you more in the long run.
The first thing to prepare for your new air conditioning installation is to clear out the area where the technicians will be working. This will minimize the risk of damage to property or accidents during the installation process. It’s a good idea to move furniture, side tables, toys, garbage cans, and barbecues to another location while the technicians are working.
You will also need to prepare the window that will be used for the air conditioner. The window must be wide enough for the new air conditioning unit to fit, and it should not have any obstructed views or ledges that could interfere with its operation. You will also need to remove any plants or other objects that are in the window, as well as the screen if you have one.
Once the work site has been cleared, the technicians will install the new equipment and connect it to the existing ductwork and piping. The equipment will then be pressurized and various functions tested. If everything passes, the technician will charge the system with environmentally-friendly refrigerant.
The final step in the preparation process is to affix the piping to the wall with the clamps provided in the kit. The installer will also spray expanding polyurethane foam into the hole drilled through the exterior wall to feed the piping and cable inside. This will create a solid seal and help prevent heat loss and moisture penetration, which can cause operational problems.
Installation
Air conditioning installation is a complex project that requires several steps. Hiring an experienced professional can save you a lot of time, money, and trouble. DIYers who attempt to install their own AC systems will likely end up spending more in labor costs than they would have spent hiring a contractor and paying them for their expertise.
The first step in the process is preparing the work area. Professionals will lay down drop cloths, remove any existing air conditioning components, and cover anything that might be damaged during the project, such as carpet or flooring. The team will also inspect the home’s cooling infrastructure, including ductwork, to make sure that everything will fit correctly and function properly.
They will also take a look at the home’s roof to make sure that it’s safe for the new unit. If necessary, they will remove any shrubs or trees that are blocking the unit’s venting. The installers will also mount the new evaporator coil and connect it to the ductwork and the compressor. The ductwork will then be sealed, and the installation crew will make sure that all electrical connections are secure.
When the work is complete, your HVAC technician will test the system and make any adjustments that are required to ensure optimal performance. They will also provide you with instructions for using your new programmable or smart thermostat, suggest routine maintenance tasks, and answer any questions you may have.
Before the installation team arrives, you should receive a call or text from the company to let you know they are on their way. This is a nice touch that lets you feel more comfortable with strangers in your house and it will help to establish communication from the beginning of the job. You can also ask for expense breakouts before the job begins so you know exactly what is included in your service agreement. Many contractors can break down the individual costs for things such as labor, materials, and permits. This can help you to compare prices and options between companies before making a decision.
Commissioning
If you’re in the business of installing air conditioning equipment, you know that proper commissioning is essential to ensure a system works as intended. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to find that systems don’t get commissioned properly or at all. This is partly because commissioning is an extra step that requires specialized training and equipment. It also takes additional time and effort on a job site, which can be a challenge for companies who are under pressure to turn the system on and move on.
HVAC commissioning involves a series of tests and verifications to ensure that the new system meets the requirements of the client, project specifications, and design intent. This is also a critical process for ensuring compliance with green building and energy codes, as well as the standards.
The commissioning process starts with a visual inspection of the installation to verify that all components and materials have been placed in the correct locations and according to the specifications of the design. The system is then turned on and tested using scenarios designed to test how the system will respond to different situations in the building environment. The process can be time-consuming, but it’s essential to guarantee the performance of the HVAC system and owner satisfaction.
When an HVAC system is not commissioned correctly, it can waste energy and reduce the comfort of the building’s occupants. It can also shorten the life of the equipment and cause costly repairs. In addition, uncommissioned systems often don’t meet the standards required for compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
HVAC commissioning services include developing and executing pre-functional checklists, functional performance testing, identifying and resolving issues with the system, creating documentation of all equipment installed, and providing training and support for facility managers and maintenance staff. The process can be customized to suit the specific needs of a particular project, building, or industry. The right team of professionals will help to ensure the optimal performance of an HVAC system, improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality, and optimize operational costs for both new and existing buildings.
Maintenance
An HVAC system is a major investment that will serve your family for many years, but it will only function properly if it receives periodic maintenance. Several things can go wrong with your AC unit, and putting off routine maintenance can result in costly repairs down the road. This is why it is important to enlist the services of a qualified HVAC professional for routine maintenance to ensure your system is running at its best.
Before the install team arrives, you should be sure to prepare the area where the air conditioner will be installed by making sure that the window frame can support the weight of the unit and clear away any debris or foliage that could interfere with the unit. It is also a good idea to check the area for signs of rot around the frame or wood trim and to prune any trees or shrubs that could get in the way of the unit.
When the air conditioning installation team arrives, they will remove the unit from its crates and unpack it. The installers will then inspect the equipment for any damage that might have occurred during transit. If there are any dents, they will notify you immediately, as your equipment must arrive in good condition to ensure optimum performance.
Once the inspection is complete, the team will begin to install the new line set. This will consist of two copper lines: one that is larger than the other, known as the suction line, and the smaller line, which is the liquid line. It is very important that these lines be installed with as few bends and turns as possible, and they must also be secured every 4 to 6 feet. The team will also install a filter drier, which will prevent any dirt from entering the refrigerant system.
Once the refrigerant lines are connected to your air conditioner, they will perform a vacuum test on the system. This test will confirm that there are no leaks in the system, and it will also verify that the evaporator coil is at its proper temperature.
