Riverview Pool and Electrical Contractors Serving Tampa
Buying a new air conditioner is an investment that impacts your comfort and energy costs for the next decade or more. But finding the right AC system is just the first step—you also need professional air conditioner installation to make the most of your investment.
The Risks of DIY Air Conditioner Installation
Attempting to install a central air conditioner without the proper skills and training is never a good idea. Always hire a professional installer to avoid these pitfalls:
- Poor airflow causing hot and cold spots
- High humidity leading to comfort problems and mold growth
- Increased risk of breakdowns and high repair costs
- Shorter system lifespan requiring premature replacement
- Noisy or unsafe operation
- Voided warranty coverage
What Does AC Selection and Installation Entail?
Whether you need a new AC unit or want to install air conditioning for the first time, it’s important to select your cooling system carefully and install it professionally. Here’s what the process entails:
- Sizing an air conditioner: Your home’s square footage is a good place to start, but many other factors affect the ideal cooling capacity. A professional will conduct formal load calculations to size your equipment for maximum comfort and performance on even the hottest summer days.
- Selecting an efficiency rating: Buying an AC with a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) requires a greater upfront investment, but you’ll save on your energy bills for years to come.
- Setting the blower capacity: Load calculations should tell your technician the ideal fan speed for distributing air throughout the ductwork. In the case of multistage cooling, the blower operates at different speeds as demand changes.
- Designing the ductwork: Air ducts greatly impact AC efficiency. Your technician can determine the proper diameter and layout of new ducts or assess your existing ductwork to determine if you could benefit from any modifications.
- Checking the refrigerant charge: Air conditioners come pre-charged from the factory, but mistakes happen. That’s why your technician should check the charge and adjust it as needed to maximize performance.
- Positioning the outdoor unit: The outdoor component needs room to exhaust heat to the exterior, so surrounding vegetation may need to be trimmed or removed. Installing the unit on the north or east side of the building is also ideal to shade it in the afternoon.
- Installing or upgrading the thermostat: A programmable therostat is a great way to maximize energy savings without sacrificing comfort. Your technician will help you choose and install a thermostat to receive the most accurate indoor temperature reading.
Don’t jeopardize the functionality and lifespan of your air conditioner with a DIY installation—choose Hawkins Service Company for a job well done! We are a fully licensed residential and commercial HVAC, electric, pool, plumbing, and gas contractor with hundreds of years of combined experience, so we’re confident we can meet your needs. Call us at (813) 871-6610 or contact us online to schedule air conditioner installation in the Tampa Bay Area.
