a/c installationWhen you’re investing in costly new cooling equipment, having it installed properly is crucial for comfort and energy savings. To complete the A/C installation successfully, a skilled HVAC contractor will take these four key factors into account.

Equipment Size

To figure the right A/C capacity for your home, a contractor will perform a detailed load calculation using Manual J from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). If you have an undersized A/C installed, it can’t cool your home properly. If oversized equipment is used, you’ll sacrifice cooling capacity, energy efficiency and humidity control due to frequent short-cycling. The life span of the equipment is affected as well, as repeated on-off cycling causes undue strain and wear.

Ductwork

If the existing duct system isn’t inspected and any deficiencies addressed, you can lose as much as 30 percent of the cooling output of your new air conditioning equipment. To prevent unnecessary and costly losses that erode comfort and energy efficiency, it’s essential that your contractor checks for and fixes any damaged or disconnected duct sections. Duct sealing with mastic or metal-backed tape is also necessary, as well as wrapping the ductwork with at least R-6 insulation.

Airflow Rates

Every manufacturer specifies an acceptable range of airflow rates for their equipment. During installation, your contractor needs to verify the airflow rate across the cooling coil so that the A/C works efficiently and cools properly. Failing to make required adjustments to the airflow rate can cause comfort issues, high energy consumption and even reduce the equipment life span.

Refrigerant Levels

Once your new air conditioner is installed, it’s necessary to charge the system with the manufacturer’s recommended amount of refrigerant. If this critical step isn’t taken and you operate the cooling system with too little or too much refrigerant, it can’t cool your home effectively or efficiently. No only are comfort and energy costs affected, but running an A/C with improper refrigerant levels also impacts vital heat transfer, which puts unnecessary wear on key system components.

Learn more about Bryans United Air Conditioning’s A/C installation, or give us a call at 504-208-2071.

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