Congratulations! You’ve chosen a new air conditioning system for your home. These days, new air conditioners work so well and are so efficient, we’re sure you’ll be delighted with it. And you’ve made an appointment for the installation! That’s great. But do you know what to expect?
It may have been quite a long time since you’ve had an AC system installed. With proper maintenance, your last one might have lasted twelve years or so. Or perhaps you purchased your home with an air conditioner and have never been through this process. We’d like to tell you what to expect at your AC installation appointment and what you can do to help things go as smoothly as possible.
When you need a new HVAC installation (heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system), it’s important to consider all of your options. We don’t recommend that you simply take whatever your technician says is the cheapest. In all likelihood, this will be a system that is too small. You will end up paying a lot more on your energy and fuel costs for the next several years, and those initial savings may not be worth it.
Too many “technicians” are willing to meet you halfway and install an inefficient, undersized system that does not match your home. Any quality technician will tell you that when a system is too small, it wears down and breaks frequently, and will likely have to be replaced years early. But that doesn’t mean a larger system is better.
Most people think about air conditioning sizing much in the same way they would think about picking out a new computer or smartphone. If you have the funds, you’re likely going to pick the one with the largest amount of memory or storage. The bigger the memory, the better. However, this is not often the case in picking out a new central AC unit, where the correct size is determined by the unit’s cooling capacity, measured in BTU per hour.
What size AC unit do I need for AC installation?
Start with your home’s square footage.
Account for shade and sun exposure around the house.
Check insulation levels and air leaks.
Consider window size and placement.
Factor in ceiling height and layout.
Have an HVAC pro perform a load calculation to confirm the right tonnage and avoid oversizing or undersizing.
When considering ac installation, it’s important to choose the right brand for your air conditioning unit, as professionals are familiar with major brands like Midea, Frigidaire, and LG, which helps ensure proper installation and long-term reliability. Proper sizing and installation processes lead to optimal system performance, efficiency, and longevity. A larger air conditioner won’t necessarily be better, as we’ll describe in the guide below. For more information, be sure to contact a local HVAC technician, and definitely do so before installing a new air conditioner. Professional contractors offer a range of services, including installation, repair, and maintenance, and you can request certificates of insurance or other documentation for added transparency. For more information, be sure to contact a local HVAC technician to schedule a service appointment or consultation for an on-site estimate, and definitely do so before installing a new air conditioner. It’s so important to get one that is the right size for your home! For official guidelines and permit requirements, visit the Department of Buildings (DOB) website, as the department is responsible for overseeing AC installation and issuing necessary permits. If you are shifting from an old or inefficient unit, upgrading to a modern system can lead to better performance and energy efficiency.
When you need a new HVAC installation (heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system), it’s important to consider all of your options. We don’t recommend that you simply take whatever your technician says is the cheapest. In all likelihood, this will be a system that is too small. You will end up paying a lot more on your energy and fuel costs for the next several years, and those initial savings may not be worth it.