Follow Up On These Two Things When Having A New Air Conditioner Installed
Picking out a unit is only the first part of getting a new air conditioner. You still need to have it installed in your home. Although you can generally trust the HVAC company to install the appliance correctly, here are two things you should double check to ensure the process is going the way it should and you're getting what you're paying for.
A New Duct System
When you get a new air conditioner, the duct system typically needs to be updated or reconfigured to accommodate the new machine. This is particularly true if there is a significant difference in the size of your old A/C unit versus the new one.
For instance, if your old air conditioner is smaller than the one you just purchased, your ducts will need to be replaced with larger tunnels. If the HVAC company attempts to use your old duct system, this can lead to problems, such as poor air flow and hot/cold spots in the home because the air is not circulating properly. Even if the ducts are the right size, they may be in a state of disrepair and need to be updated and patched to improve efficiency and prevent wasted air.
Thus, you need to make sure the HVAC company is also installing new ductwork to match the output of your new air conditioner or have inspected your old doctor and made any necessary repairs. You can confirm what work has been done by doing a visual inspection yourself or having an HVAC technician from a competing company perform take a look and provide a second opinion. Although this may seem like quite a bit of effort to go through, the amount of money you save by avoiding unnecessary repairs is worth the trouble.
There's Proper Drainage
Another thing you need to check is that the drainage system has been properly installed for your air conditioner. Newer air conditioners produce a lot of water, and this water must be carefully funneled to a waste area. If the drainage system is not done properly, you could end up with flooding issues that cause significant damage to your home, the air conditioner, and other surrounding structures. Poor drainage can also lead to frozen pipes, mold, and problems with air quality in the home.
If possible, try to be home when the HVAC company is working on the drainage system so you can see exactly what they're doing. The drain line should be routed away from the home and drain into an area that won't cause problems for you or your neighbors. If you can't be there when the unit is installed, be sure to have the technician show you where the excess water is supposed to drain so you can make sure it's going to a proper area.
To have a new air conditioner installed in your home or discuss other air conditioning installation concerns, contact a knowledgeable HVAC technician.