Deciding to invest in a new central air conditioning system is a big decision. However, many people don’t know what to expect. This blog will go over what to expect during your air conditioning installation.
How Long Will the Installation Take?
First of all, how long will the installation process take? The average length of an air conditioning installation can take anywhere around 8 to 14 hours long. Discuss the installation time length with your AC contractor to get a more accurate timeline according to your new unit and home.
Prepare Your Home for Your AC Replacement
There are a couple of preparations you have to do before the installation crew arrives. Doing the following will speed up the process of the installation:
- Clear the area – clear the area so that your AC contractor has easy access to the site. This could include branches, garden hoses, and patio decor
- Keep pets away – for the safety of your pets and your AC contractors, keep your pets away from the site
- Move your valuables – to keep your valuables such as antiques safe, keep them in a safe location
- Make extra space – make space in your yard or driveway. You may want to relocate your cars to give the crew the closet parking for a quicker and more efficient installation
Removing the Old AC System
Before the installation of the new AC commences, the crew must first remove the old equipment. This may involve gaining access to attic areas and basements that typically house the HVAC system. After cutting the air conditioning unit’s power, your AC contractor will remove any refrigerant from the AC system and begin disassembling and removing the old equipment.
Duct Repair and/or Modification
Depending on your project’s conditions and scope, duct repair and/or replacement may be involved. If major ductwork is involved with your HVAC project, then it could take a little more time since the crew will have to make repairs or modifications for the new equipment.
Installing Your New Air Conditioning Unit
Once all of the modifications and repair are done, the crew will commence the installation of the new equipment. Depending on the type of system you choose, the equipment may be installed both inside and outside of your home. The components installed may include:
- the inside air handler or evaporator
- outside compressor or condensing unit
- new refrigerant supply lines
- thermostat
- condensate drain lines
- condensate pump
Testing the New Air Conditioning System
When the new HVAC installation is complete, vacuum and pressure tests are performed before charging the system with new refrigerant. Once the test is complete, the refrigerant is added and the system is activated.
Finally, your AC contractor will go over how to operate the new system. This includes discussing topics such as how to replace the furnace filter and how to operate the thermostat.
Changing the air conditioning system in your home is a big project. We hope this blog helped you get an idea of what to expect during an AC replacement. To change your HVAC system, please call us at (877) 452-8527 or contact us on our website.
