Why Proper Air Conditioning Installation Is a Must
Proper installation of an air conditioning system is necessary for correct performance, energy efficiency, and safety. Poor installation harms the new system itself through more wear and tear and excess energy use. Air conditioning systems that are installed poorly don’t last as long, costing the homeowner more in replacement expenses over time.
A few common issues that result when an air conditioning system is not installed properly.
- Improper refrigerant charge. Air conditioners use refrigerant to travel through the system to the different parts of the air conditioner, changing from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid. As it does so, it absorbs heat and then releases it along its journey, helping to bring cool air to the rooms of your home. When refrigerant charge is too high or too low, the new air conditioning system will not operate efficiently. Long term, improper refrigerant charge may result in damage to the air conditioning system, shortening its service life.
- Poor airflow. Proper airflow is necessary not only to receive appropriate cooling volume inside your home, but to keep the system operating correctly. When airflow is obstructed or restricted due to poor installation, the new air conditioning system’s energy efficiency drops. The air conditioning system and equipment must work harder to move air through, consuming more energy than it should and stressing components which leads to damage. Airflow issues can also cause overheating inside the system, further damaging components.
- Duct leakage. Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape into areas of the home where it doesn’t belong – it’s a clear waste of your money. When the air distribution system isn’t designed or installed correctly, duct leaks occur that drive up utility bills.
- Improperly sized equipment. HVAC systems are not one size fits all. The proper size system for a home is determined by making precise calculations that account for a number of factors such as square footage, construction, number of windows and doors, exposure, ceiling heights, and more – it’s quite detailed! When an air conditioning system is installed that is too big or too small, it uses more energy, short cycles causing component damage, and wears out sooner, not to mention it will be incredibly difficult to keep the house comfortable. Unfortunately, the only solution is a replacement, which is costly, especially so soon after having a new air conditioning system installed.
- Poor drainage. Air conditioners produce condensation that must drain away from the unit and house. When drainage systems are not correctly installed, water can back up. This damages the unit as well as floors and walls nearby.