3 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Installing A New AC System
Your AC system is an imperative part of your home. While it helps maintain a cooler environment during the warmer seasons, the air conditioning also removes humidity to ensure healthy air quality. Unfortunately, AC systems are not mean to last forever, so you will eventually need to replace yours. This guide will help you and your contractor avoid a few common mistakes made during the installation of your new AC system.
Improper Sizing
Size matters when it comes to your AC system. The right size will depend on a few factors including the size of your home, its efficiency, and your local climate.
Many homeowners tend to undersize, since a smaller system may be more affordable. However, undersizing your AC system may cause your system to work harder to cool your home, which stresses the system and increases your energy usage. This unnecessary stress and increased energy usage can become costly, making your undersized system more expensive in the long run.
Oversizing, on the other hand, can also be a problem. Oversized systems may cool your home faster, but they tend to shut-off before the system has a chance to remove both the heat AND the humidity from the air. Known as short-cycling, an oversized unit can lead to costly humidity issues.
To ensure your system is sized properly, have the contractor conduct a load calculation before installation.
Ignoring Ductwork
Many homeowners focus their attention on replacing the actual AC units, but there are many other elements involved with your air conditioning system.
The ductwork is located throughout the home – in the crawlspace, attic, walls, and floors – even though you do not actually see it. Its main purpose is to move air in and out of the home for heating and cooling purposes. If your ductwork is damaged, the air moving in and out of your home will be lost, reducing the system's ability to heat and cool the home throughout the year.
This loss of air can add hundreds of dollars a year to your heating and cooling bills. Thankfully, making sure your ductwork is inspected, repaired, or replaced will reduce the air loss, help improve the effectiveness of your heating and cooling system, and conserve energy.
When it is time to replace your AC system, do not ignore the ductwork.
A new AC system is a big investment. This guide will help you choose a system that is effective, efficient, and valuable for your heating and cooling needs. Contact an air conditioning installation service for more help.