Serving Richardson, Plano, Allen 
When installing a new air conditioner for your home, it’s important to understand the extent of what’s involved and what you get with a professional installation. Use this guide as a starting point for what’s commonly included in an AC installation and what you should look for in your installation agreement.
Pre-Installation Consultation
Before you purchase a new unit and schedule the installation, a professional technician should conduct a pre-installation consultation. During this visit, they should discuss the goals for your new unit as well as conduct an HVAC load calculation. This calculation evaluates the needs of your home based on home size and construction, the number of occupants, and how you use the space. The HVAC load calculation is important to ensure you’re getting a properly sized unit for your needs.
Additionally, they should evaluate what you already have, including a fast duct inspection. If your ducts are old and in poor repair, they may recommend sealing or replacing them, which is usually an addition to a standard AC installation. They’ll also evaluate your air handler if it’s separate from your furnace to ensure it’s still in operable condition. Central air conditioners do not typically come with an air handler, which is normally packaged with a furnace.
Removing Old Equipment
When installation day arrives, the first thing your team will do is remove the old equipment they are replacing. Once the job is complete, they’ll haul away the old unit and dispose of it properly so you don’t have to worry about where to take it. This equipment includes the entire condensing unit outside and the evaporator coil inside. The evaporator coil is installed in the bottom of a packaged furnace unit or with the air handler.
Equipment Pad
The outside condensing unit usually sits on a pad. Your technicians will install the pad and ensure it’s level before placing your unit. They’ll work with you during the pre-installation consultation to determine the best pad material for your specific situation.
AC Placement and Mounting
Once the old equipment is removed, the team will bring in the new unit and place it on the equipment pad. They’ll also install the new evaporator coil inside. When installing both, they’ll ensure they are level so that it doesn’t experience excess vibration, which can accelerate the wear on the system.
Refrigerant Line Installation
Next, the team will install the refrigerant line. Depending on your property, this may include burying refrigerant lines or running them through a crawl space. The key is to leave as little of the lines exposed as possible to prevent damage. They should also cover any exposed lines in insulation to further protect them and keep them from freezing. Before charging the system, they’ll perform a vacuum test to ensure there aren’t any leaks.
Electrical Integration
Air conditioners are large electric appliances that must be hard-wired into the system. Your installation team will make all of the electrical connections safely. They’ll also check all of the installed connections to ensure they’ve remained tight through the installation process.
System Charging and Testing
Once all of the setup work is completed, the team will charge the system. The system must have the proper charge to ensure that it cools adequately and doesn’t strain the seals.
After charging the system, the testing begins. The team will first look for any leaks the vacuum test may have missed. They’ll check the electrical current to ensure that all electrical components are working properly and there isn’t abnormal resistance in the system. Finally, they’ll run a cooling cycle test to ensure it’s producing sufficiently cool air and that the system is cycling appropriately.
Homeowner Training and Explanation
Once they are cleaned up and done, one of the installation technicians should chat with you and explain your new system. They’ll also make sure you know how to operate the new unit, especially if they installed a new thermostat as part of the process. This is a great time to ask questions, ensure you know how to get in touch with them if there’s a problem, and get the details and terms of the included warranties.
When people around Richardson want professional and family-oriented HVAC service, they call Cool Experts AC. Our team provides unmatched heating and AC installation, maintenance, and repair as well as indoor air quality solutions, including duct cleaning, attic insulation, and dryer vent cleaning. Call to schedule a consultation with one of our AC experts to find the right unit for your home.
