When Your Air Conditioner Won't Work

When Your Air Conditioner Won't Work

What You Shouldn't Forget When Installing an Air Conditioner

by Clara Fernandez

Installing an AC unit seems like a straightforward process, but any oversight will lead to additional costs for re-installation or repairs. The efficiency of your AC system depends on whether you buy the right size, fix it in the right location, and conduct the necessary inspections. Here are three steps you should take seriously during air conditioner installations.

Space Preparation

The site where you want to place your air conditioner should be prepped before the new system is set in place. Your AC unit should be located on a site with proper airflow and close to an electrical outlet. First, replace the pad where the new AC system will be set.

New air conditioners are larger and taller than older models; therefore, you should keep this in mind when preparing the space. Also, the ground may have sunk. Thus, before setting up the new pad, you should level the ground. The HVAC company will level out the new space with a gravel base.

One mistake people make when preparing a new space is pouring a concrete pad. This is unnecessary because it can easily crack, which is difficult to repair. Insist on a composite pad since it can last the lifetime of your new AC system. 

Additionally, it can easily absorb vibrations from the air conditioner, which can minimize noise and shaking. Furthermore, if you need to move the AC unit in the future, it is less susceptible to damage if you had placed it on a composite pad than if it was on a concrete pad.

Cutting Holes in the Wall

After you have identified the ideal site for your AC system, the next step is to cut holes in the wall where electrical wiring will pass through. You can use a utility knife to cut these holes.

If the holes were already cut for an older AC unit, connect the wires to their respective terminals in the air conditioner's electrical box. Many AC units fit into standard openings without the need for modifications or additions to your house. However, if the new AC system has special requirements, leave the job of cutting holes in the wall to a professional.

Ductwork Inspection

Another crucial area you shouldn't forget when installing your air conditioner is the air duct system. If you are replacing an old AC system, you should still inspect and clean the existing ductwork.

Although you can retrofit existing ductwork to your new AC unit, you risk mismatching the ductwork with the system. This results in inefficient air conditioning. As a rule of thumb, you should create new ductwork for the new system. This doesn't only improve efficiency but also saves you money on energy bills.

For more info, reach out to a company like Bremer & Bouman Heating and Cooling.


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About Me

When Your Air Conditioner Won't Work

My name is Maura, and I am certified in HVAC installation and repair. I have many clients who call me in a panic because they have turned on their air conditioners and nothing has happened. Your air conditioning technician will get to you as soon as possible, but there are some steps you can take while you are waiting. You might just find that you are able to fix the problem on your own, although you will still want to have a professional assess the situation. In this blog I will take you through some common reasons your air conditioner might not be working and show you some easy temporary solutions.

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