Importance of Properly Installed AC System
According to www.energy.gov, Research from the mid-1990s up until 2016 shows that 70–90% of residential AC/HP systems contain at least one performance-compromising defect that was either established during installation or resulted from poor maintenance of an installed AC system. These rates rise to 90–100% when duct leakage is taken into account. Improper installation of a central air conditioner can result in leaky ducts and low airflow, improper refrigerant charging.
Things to take into account when installing an air conditioner include finding a licensed technician, equipment sizing, airflow, refrigerant charges, and duct leakage:
- HVAC installation technicians are trained and certified… While paying someone to install your system is more expensive, keep in mind that you are paying for their knowledge, expertise, time, and experience.
- Equipment sizing is important as if it is bigger than the needed size, the system can stop working or freeze up trying to heat or cool. Motors can burn out and electronics can fry.
- Air flow is important because if there is not enough air being pulled into the unit you don’t have enough conditioned air to come back out. The bigger your system is the bigger your ducts need to be, and the more returns you need.
- The performance and efficiency of the unit are compromised if the necessary refrigerant charge is not done during installation. Too little refrigerant impairs the AC’s ability to transmit heat from the inside of the house to the outside, resulting in improper cooling of the coils and the circulation of warm air via the vents. Too much refrigerant results in an overcharged air conditioner, which can impair your unit’s performance and cause a variety of other issues with your system.
