Are you getting a new air conditioner? Want to know more about the installation process from your estimate to the setup? Keep reading to learn more about the air conditioner installation process! With this guide, you will have everything you need to know to prepare for your air conditioner to be installed by HVAC experts.
At Polar Bear Mechanical, we are an experienced HVAC company in Colorado Springs. We understand everything there is to know about air conditioning. From tune-ups, repairs, and air conditioner installations, our team of professionals has you covered. If you need an air conditioner installed for your home or business, the experts at Polar Bear Mechanical are here to keep you cool and comfortable!
Do You Need a New Air Conditioner Installed?
The installation process for a new air conditioner is quite simple. In most cases, the unit will be placed on the ground outside of the home and then connected to an electrical outlet and the home’s ductwork. This may change depending on the type of air conditioner being installed. For example, if you have a central air system, the A/C unit will be connected to your furnace.
Collecting Information During the A/C Estimate
For your HVAC company to install the air conditioner, the contractor will need specific information to provide you with an accurate estimate for the cost of your new air conditioner. He or she will need to know the square footage of your home, the number of windows and doors, the direction your home faces, and whether you have any attic space.
The contractor will also need to take a look at your current ductwork to see if it needs to be replaced or repaired. In some cases, it may be necessary to add new ductwork to accommodate the new air conditioner.
Once the contractor has all of this information, he or she will be able to recommend the best type of air conditioner for your home and provide you with an estimate for the cost of materials and labor. The next step is to schedule the installation. Most air conditioner installations can be completed in one day, although some may take longer.
The Installation Team, Review, and Safety
The installation team will arrive on the date and time scheduled. The first thing they will do is review the work order with you to make sure they understand the job. They will also want to take a look at your existing ductwork and electrical system to make sure everything is up to code and compatible with the new air conditioner.
It’s important to allow some time for review, as it could impact the installation process and ultimately the cost. For example, if your ductwork needs to be replaced, that will add to the labor and materials costs. Once the review is complete, the team will get to work. They will start by disconnecting your old air conditioner and removing it from the premises.
Removing Your Current Air Conditioning Unit
The next step in the installation process is to remove your old air conditioner. The team will take it down carefully and dispose of it properly. They will also clean up any debris left behind.
A device called a recovery machine is used to remove the Freon from your old unit. The Freon is then recycled and reused in your new air conditioner. This helps to protect the environment and keeps costs down.
To handle refrigerant, or equipment containing refrigerant, you need to be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Only a certified technician can remove Freon from your old unit.
A “whip” and “gauge set” are used to connect the new air conditioner to your home’s refrigerant lines. The whip is a flexible piece of metal tubing that connects the new unit to the suction line. The gauge set helps the technician properly charge your new air conditioner with Freon.
During this time, the circuit breaker will be turned off, and the technician will also disconnect the power to the air handler.
Preparing the Pad for the Outside Unit
After your old air conditioner has been removed, the team will prepare the pad for the new outside unit. They will level it off and make sure it is secure. They will also connect the electrical and gas lines to the unit.
New air conditioners are much heavier than the old ones, so it is important to make sure that the pad can support the weight. Before the new pad is set, the team will make sure that the ground is level and free of debris.
A concrete pad will be poured for the new unit to sit on. However, a composite pad, which is made of recycled materials, can also be used. This type of pad is less expensive and easier to install. A composite pad is better for the environment and will not crack as a concrete pad can.
The team will set the unit on the pad and make sure it is level. They will then secure it with metal straps or bolts. Next, they will connect the Freon lines. These are the tubes that carry the refrigerant to and from the compressor.
The electrical wiring will be connected next. This is a critical step as it ensures that the unit will operate safely. The team will also add any insulation that is needed.
Removing the Indoor Evaporator Coil
The indoor evaporator coil is one of the most important parts of your air conditioning system. It is responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air and transferring it to the outdoor condensing unit. If the coil is damaged, it will not be able to properly cool your home.
The first step in replacing the indoor evaporator coil is to remove the old one. The team will start by disconnecting the power to the unit and then removing the access panel. Next, they will remove the insulation around the coil and unscrew it from the unit. Once the old coil is out, they will clean the area and install the new coil. They will screw it in place and then reconnect the power.
Removing the Refrigerant Lines
Next, the team will need to remove the refrigerant lines from the old coil. They will use a wrench to loosen the bolts that hold the lines in place. Once the bolts are removed, they will pull the lines off of the coil.
The refrigerant line set is the next thing that needs to be installed. This set consists of two copper tubes that are connected with a coupling. One end of the line set will be connected to the air conditioner unit, while the other end will be connected to the furnace. The team will measure the length of the line set and cut it to size. They will then use a soldering gun to connect the coupling to the line set.
Sometimes the line set is concealed within the walls, so the team will have to drill a hole in the wall to run the line set through. They will then seal up the hole with caulk or expanding foam.
Setting Up the Outside Unit
The air conditioner condenser is typically located outside the home, often on a concrete pad. The team will level the unit and secure it in place with bolts. They will then connect it to the line set using copper tubing. Once fitted in the valve, they will fill the condenser with refrigerant.
Putting in the Filter Dryer
A filter dryer is placed in the line set to remove moisture and contaminants. This helps to protect the air conditioner and keep it running efficiently. Some manufacturers recommend replacing the filter dryer every time the system is serviced.
Installing the Condensate Drain Line
The condensate drain line carries water away from the air conditioner. It is connected to a PVC pipe, which leads to a drain or outside. The team will make sure that the line is properly installed and that there are no leaks. A condensate pump may also be installed if the air conditioner is not located near a drain.
Testing the Equipment
Once the air conditioner is installed, the team will test it to make sure it is working properly. The unit will be turned on and left to run for a while. The temperature inside and outside the unit will be monitored to make sure that the air conditioner is cooling the space as it should. The team will also make sure that the unit is not making any strange noises and that all the parts are working correctly. After the unit has been tested, the team will clean up any debris from the installation and make sure that everything is safe and secure.
Get the Best A/C Installation With Polar Bear Mechanical
Polar Bear Mechanical offers air conditioning installation services for both residential and commercial properties. Our team of experienced technicians can help you select the perfect unit for your space and budget and then install it quickly and efficiently. We also offer a variety of maintenance and repair services to keep your air conditioner running smoothly all year long. Call us today at (719) 329-4304 to schedule a free consultation, or contact us online to learn more!
