Every home needs an air conditioner. If you don’t have one in your space, the heatwave that we always experience in winter are a sign, it’s time to get one. However, air conditioners aren’t just like any other home appliance. When you purchase a fridge or TV, you can easily set them up. This is different with air conditioners. There are several things to consider before the air conditioner installation.
From choosing the right type of air conditioner to selecting the best professional to help with installation, different factors can determine whether you will enjoy using an aircon. There are also some things you need to put in place to get your house ready.
That is what we are going to explore with this article. In it, we will explain all you need to know when installing air conditioners. You need to make sure that the model you are getting is the right one for you. There are also important factors that will determine if a particular air con size is right for you.
Factors to Consider before the Installation of the Air Conditioner
As you research how to install air conditioners, these are the most important factors to consider:
Cost
The cost of the device tops the list of things to consider before air conditioner installation. Except if you have a lot of money to throw around, you need to have a budget. Most likely, the pricing will also influence your choice of air-con.
If you are working with a very tight budget, the least-priced AC unit may seem like the best option. However, this unit may not be as effective as you’ll want it. The higher the price, the more effective the unit will likely be.
When you go for high-end products with excellent optimization, you save more in the long run. They save you more on electricity, thanks to their energy optimization. You should also factor in the cost of hiring a professional for air-con installation in Vaughan. You should research and know all these from the get-go.
The size
When it comes to installing air conditioners in your home, the sizing matters. You should consider the size of the space you want to place the air conditioner in. The bigger the space you are working with, the more power you will need from an air conditioner you need.
For a large space, if you install an air conditioner with lower power ratings, it won’t be enough to cool the room adequately. This becomes especially difficult during hot weather. Also, you shouldn’t install an air conditioner that is too large for a small room. That will only be a waste of energy and accompanying utility bills.
Find out more about the quality of air in the home
One of the things to consider before air conditioner installation is air quality. The quality of air is directly proportional to the comfort you enjoy. If the air quality is not good enough, adjusting the ductwork should be your next line of action. Doing this will help you ensure better airflow.
You may not be able to determine this on your own. This is where air conditioner installation experts in Vaughan come into play. They can access your space and determine if upgrades need to be made in terms of airflow.
Install quality ductwork
The duck work is an integral part of the air conditioning system. If there is a leak in the duck work, it will reduce the air conditioner’s efficiency.
If you already have one, you may only need to make minor repairs to the existing ductwork. However, if you are installing an air conditioner for the first time, this is one of the things to consider. Get quality ductwork installed!
Consider the various alternatives
There are several ways you can cool the air in your home. While some air conditioners require that you have vents, others don’t. There are ductless mini-split air conditioners that only require indoor air handlers.
Next, all you have to do is connect the outdoor and indoor units through a small wall hole. This is more economical than trying to install a whole vent system in the home.
As you will expect, the functioning of these type of systems cannot be compared to the full vent air-con systems. However, it is a worthy alternative if you are working with a budget.
Quality
This works in tandem with the cost. High-quality products come at a higher price. The increase in quality means an increase in efficiency and durability.
As part of the things to consider before air-con, it’s better to go with quality — if you can afford it. When you invest in a quality AC unit, you won’t have to worry about repairs and replacement.
Energy consumption
On the journey of how to choose the right air conditioner, energy-efficiency is an essential consideration. When the unit is energy-efficient, it won’t spike your electricity bill. With air conditioners, there is a rating system that correlates with energy efficiency. The rating starts at 8 and stops at 11.5.
The higher the rating of the unit, the more efficient it is. Modern AC units are optimized in several ways to ensure energy efficiency. Some of these are; variations in fan speed, temperature controls, sleep settings, etc.
Installation
This is another critical factor you need to consider even before you set out for purchase. You need to know where exactly you want to place the AC unit. The ideal location is usually where it can easily keep the whole room cool.
As for the condenser, you should keep it in a shady area. If you expose it to the sun, it can overheat and suffer damage. The surrounding areas of the AC unit should also be obstruction-free at all times for maximum airflow.
Maintenance
While preparing to make your purchase, you need to hire a professional air conditioner maintenance service in Vaughan. Sign a contract that gets them to service and repair your AC unit frequently.
This way, they can come in for periodic checks on your air conditioner unit. If there is a need, they will carry out preventive repairs. This can help the unit last for years. Proactive maintenance and timely repairs are critical to the smooth functioning of air conditioner units.
Add-ons
You should also research the equipment you can add to your AC unit. These modify the function of your AC. For instance, you can always add a heat pump.
This turns your AC into both a heating and cooling system. Not all units will allow for this modification. Hence, you need to do additional research if you want added functionality like this.
Related article: What is the Cost of Air Conditioner Installation?
How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner
The things to consider before air conditioner installation leads you a step closer. However, when it comes to picking the right specific AC unit for you, the following factors are critical:
How many rooms do you want the AC unit to cool?
The number of rooms you want the AC’s effect to reach is significant. When it’s all about cooling a single room, a small unit will suffice. However, if you are looking to cool the whole home, you need a larger unit. For a single room, you can purchase a split or window unit.
On the other hand, to cool the whole house, you should consider a multi-split system. Another option here is the ducted air conditioning system. Weight and compare these different options before your air conditioner installation.
Size of the room and layout
A critical factor is the cooling output of the AC unit and its capacity. The output needs to correlate with the size of the space you are placing it in. If you choose otherwise, the unit will not perform efficiently. This will, in turn, reflect on your energy usage bills.
The layout of the area also plays a critical role. Factors like the height of the ceiling, the type of roof, the natural light and insulation are important factors that can affect how your AC works.
Efficiency
You should check the efficiency rating of the units at the store. The higher the efficiency rating, the better.
Noise
Most air conditioner units work at different noise levels. If possible, you should listen to the noise level of the unit you are looking to install. If the noise is unbearable, it can interfere with your sleep. Examples of noisy units are evaporative coolers.
In contrast, ducted or split systems are very quiet, as the operating components are located outside of your immediate space. The noise reduction is a reflection of the advanced tech used in the system.
Reliability
From the purchase to the air conditioner installation services, quality matters. The quality of product and service you choose will influence how well you can rely on your AC unit.
You should purchase a well-known brand. It would be best if you also looked for products that have ample warranty.
Design of the unit
Air conditioners come in varying designs and styles. You need a unit that will complement your space. When it comes to design, we are sure there is a special style that sits right with you.
You’ll know that it’s the one you want. Take your time to look out for the one. Finding one that fits all the factors stated in this guide will not be easy. However, when you do, what it adds to your space will be well worth it.
How to Choose the Right Air-con Installation Professional
You probably don’t know how to install air conditioners. This is no big deal; it requires technical know-how. However, you must know how to choose the right person for the job. There are numerous contractors out there.
If it’s your first time working with one, making a choice won’t be easy. If you have a family member that has worked with one, you can get a recommendation. If not, the following will guide you;
Don’t get quotes over the phone
As you may have noticed from the sections above, most of the things to consider before installing an air conditioner will be peculiar to your house. Your cooling needs are different from those of your neighbour.
Hence, an installation contractor can only give an accurate quotation after seeing your home. They need to inspect your home to have an idea of the type of cooling system it needs. These factors influence the price.
The lowest estimate is not always the best for you
When contractors know you are getting bids from others, some will propose a low estimate. You shouldn’t always go for this. Reduced estimates can mean that they are cutting out the necessary things they need to do to get the contract.
This can be dangerous for you. Get all prices and the reasons behind them. Know what each price quotation will offer. It would be best if you went for a professional with a not-too-high or low quote.
Experience level matters
With an increase in experience comes a price increase. If you don’t have to worry about money, go for the highest experience level. Some air conditioner installation experts have been in the field for fifteen years, while some have barely spent two years.
You can be sure that they have a different way of doing things. Where air conditioner installation is concerned, you should only choose a professional with an experience level you can trust for the project.
Check for reviews
Most air conditioner installation services have a website now. You can check for reviews of their services on Google, Yelp, or Facebook.
Genuine reviews from previous clients will give you an inside scoop of what they can do. Reviews will help you sieve the hay from the shaft when choosing your air conditioner contractors.
Document everything
Whatever details you have of communication with individual contractors, document them. Documentation helps you to go back to consider the best candidate thoroughly. There is no need to hurry when you want to hire air conditioner installation services.
Your money is on the line; you need to get maximum value for it. When you finally make a pick, you should also correctly document the agreement. This should include all they plan to do during installation, the timeline and the quote.
Ask questions
As you research the various things to consider before air conditioner installation, you’ll find varying information. You should ask these questions from the professionals even though you know the answers. Asking these questions helps you verify the knowledge of the contractor in question. If your knowledge tally with their answers, this puts you more at ease.
Asking questions will help you identify the scope of their operations. For instance, some professionals only work on certain brands of AC units. You should also ask them about sizing. Several factors affect the sizing of your unit. Your contractor should be able to recommend the best size for you.
How to Prepare the Home for Air Conditioner Installation
You need to do a few things to ensure a hassle-free installation. The following are necessary.
Review the Manual J Heating and cooling load
A professional contractor will conduct a heating and cooling load calculation before you make a purchase. This calculation involves the structure of the home. The roof, windows, direction, etc. These determine the size and type of unit you are getting.
When you finally make the purchase, you should go over this. Make sure you aren’t missing anything essential. Once you complete the installation, it may be hard to reverse any mistakes. Wrong installation will leave you with an imperfect cooling system. It is never too much to revise the things to consider before air conditioner installation.
Clean and seal the ducts
If your home has ductwork already, you should clean it. Dust and dirt can accumulate in them, especially when they are unused for a long time. Immediately after cleaning them, you should seal them. Also, if the ductwork has only been recently done, you should seal them.
Clear the path
For the time being, you need to rearrange your home. Depending on the size of the unit coming in, you should clear a path. You don’t want to have toys, chairs, and other obstructions in the way. This will make the installation easier for you and your air-con contractor.
Final Take
There are numerous things to consider before air conditioner installation. They are essential as they will help you make the choice of which air conditioner to buy.
Choosing the wrong AC unit or installation professional can leave you with regrets and a less than effective cooling system. Hence, avoid this by doing due diligence with the information we have provided above.
However, it can get overwhelming pretty fast. Sometimes, you need a professional to deliberate with right from the start. We are more than willing to walk you through right from the start.
Here at ALP Heating, we can help you take a look at your home and figure out just what you need. Our air conditioner installation service is comprehensive. Contact us to start discussions today!