Air Conditioning Installation Provo UT is a major investment, but one that will pay off with improved home comfort.
The first step is a thorough evaluation of existing cooling infrastructure. This helps technicians identify and address issues that can compromise the new system’s performance.
Air conditioning is a must in most homes to ensure comfort and health. However, improper installation can lead to inefficient or unreliable operation, resulting in decreased cooling capacity and higher electricity bills. A licensed professional from Lex Air can help you select the right AC system for your home, perform a thorough site evaluation and ensure that all job details are taken care of during the installation process.
The first step in the process is preparing the work area. The team will lay down protective drop cloths to protect floors and other surfaces from debris during the installation process. They will also disconnect electrical wiring from the old system and turn off the breaker for the air conditioner. Then they will use a refrigerant recovery machine to drain any existing refrigerant into a tank. Then the new system will be connected to a new service disconnect box that is mounted on the side of your house and wired into the electrical panel. High- and low-voltage wiring will be reconnected, and the power conduit that runs from the panel to the AC will be installed.
Next, the outdoor unit is set on a new pad and leveled. The pad is usually made of a durable, long-lasting material like gravel or an engineered composite. The installer will also ensure that the unit is on a stable foundation so it won’t shift or move during operation.
After completing this step, the technicians will connect the line set to the new air conditioner, using a gas-powered brazing torch to weld the connections. A specialized tool is used to cut through the metal tubing and create a smooth, leak-free connection. The line set will then be pushed through a hole drilled into the band board of your home to the outside, near the new air conditioner. The hole should be 2-2.5″ in diameter to accommodate the tubing.
Then the air conditioning installation team will start to install the new indoor unit. They will take special care to make sure the unit is in the correct location and that it has enough space for proper airflow and heat exchange. Then they will connect the units via the refrigerant lines and ductwork, making sure all connections are secure. They will conduct a final inspection before cleaning up the work area.
Evaluation of Existing Ductwork
The air conditioning system’s ductwork is a crucial component of its operation. It facilitates the transfer of conditioned air to different parts of your home and ensures that you and your family enjoy a comfortable living environment. If your ducts are damaged, leaking, or poorly insulated, they can significantly reduce your air conditioning system’s efficiency and cause high energy bills.
An HVAC professional can help you decide whether to repair or replace your ductwork as part of an air conditioner installation project. They can evaluate your current ducts to determine their condition, recommend any necessary repairs or replacements, and assist you in scheduling the work.
If you opt to have your ducts replaced, the technician will first remove your old ductwork. Then they’ll design a new duct system that’s compatible with your new air conditioning system. During this process, they’ll consider factors such as your home’s layout and the airflow capacity of your existing ducts. They’ll also evaluate the ducts’ insulation to ensure that they are properly sealed and sized.
They’ll normally use mastic or foil tape to seal the joints where duct sections connect and are located in unfinished areas of your home, such as in attics or crawl spaces. They’ll also assess your ducts for any leaks and make any necessary repairs to prevent conditioned air from escaping into unoccupied or unheated areas of the house.
In addition, they’ll evaluate the ducts to see if they need to be reconfigured, cleaned, or sealed. Leaks in your ductwork can waste 20 to 30 percent of your home’s energy, so it’s vital that they’re properly sealed and insulated.
During the evaluation of your existing ducts, an HVAC technician can also identify signs of wear and tear and other issues, such as rust, mold growth, or insect infestations. They’ll take a detailed inventory of your ducts and create a line drawing to identify their location, size, and configuration. They’ll also look for any indications that zoning systems, which control the flow of conditioned air to different areas of your home, may need to be integrated with the new system.
Electrical Connections
Air conditioning installation is not only about installing ductwork, it also involves making the electrical connections. Air conditioners require a dedicated circuit and have specific voltage and amperage requirements that need to be met. SM Mechanical Services has the tools and expertise to ensure your air conditioning system is correctly wired.
Before any electrical work can begin, the technician should turn off power to the house. Then, they can use a multi-meter to check for any current running through the circuits. If the current is too high, it could cause a fire or damage your equipment. Once the electrician determines that there is no risk of overloading the circuit, they can start by drilling a hole in an exterior wall for the pipe and cable to pass through. They should also mark the location on your wall for future reference.
The installer will then run the electrical wires from the breaker box to the indoor unit. The wiring must match the diagram provided with your AC system. The installer should carefully follow the directions to avoid any issues. They will also need to install a grounding wire if required.
All electrical connections must follow the rules of color coding to prevent any mistakes. This means that a black wire is always hot, carrying electricity, while a white wire is neutral. If a wire has a different color, it may be carrying a very high amount of power and should only be handled with extreme caution.
In most cases, the air conditioner will require a 240-volt circuit. This is a higher voltage than most outlets in homes and must be used on a dedicated circuit. It is important to make sure that the breaker in the electrical panel is capable of handling the additional load.
If not, the electrician may need to upgrade your service panel. This can often be done by adding a new subpanel to your home. It is best to consult with an electrician before beginning this process to confirm that the current level of service is adequate for your new air conditioning system.
Thermostat Installation
Thermostats control your air conditioner, so if your thermostat isn’t working properly, it can cause your system to run inefficiently and lead to higher utility bills. It’s a good idea to replace your thermostat with a new one that’s compatible with your HVAC system. This will help reduce energy costs, while providing you with a more comfortable home. This is a relatively easy project that can be completed by the average homeowner. However, you’ll need to be familiar with your home’s wiring and HVAC system to complete it.
As with any job that involves working with electricity, safety is paramount. Turn off the power to your HVAC system at the main circuit breaker panel before starting any work. This will prevent electrical accidents and reduce the risk of a fire or other damage to your home.
Once the power to your HVAC system is turned off, remove the trim plate and drywall anchors from the wall. This will give you access to the screws that mount the thermostat to the wall. Once the trim plate is off, take a close look at the existing thermostat. You’ll want to note the location of the wires and any color-coded labels on them. This will help you match the color-coded wires to their proper receptacles on the new thermostat.
Next, disconnect the old thermostat from the system wiring by unscrewing the terminals. Be careful not to twist the wires too much or you may strip the ends. Then, carefully remove the old thermostat from the mounting plate.
Finally, screw the new thermostat to the mounting plate and connect the system wires to their proper receptacles. Use the letter labels as a reference (you can even write them down if you like). If you’re using a smart thermostat, you’ll need to install a C wire, which requires professional installation.
With the proper installation, your new thermostat should operate as intended. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them closely to avoid “ghost readings” or unnecessary cycling of your heating or cooling system. Also, be sure the thermostat is located where natural room air currents (warm air rising and cool air sinking) can flow freely, and that it isn’t blocked by furniture or other items.