It may seem like a no-brainer that if you install a new high-efficiency A/C, your investment will be rewarded with high-efficiency performance. However, there’s more to the story. Professional A/C installation plays a substantial part in maximizing performance and comfort, and enjoying lower energy bills for a nice return on investment. Your HVAC professional should follow four essential elements for optimal A/C installation.
Calculating A/C Size
Many A/C systems are incorrectly sized because the installer only used the square footage of the home. There are dozens of factors that impact a home’s cooling load, which is what A/C size is based on. Some of the factors that influence the cooling load are insulation values, air sealing, number of occupants and A/C usage. If an installer doesn’t know how to accurately assess the load, he doesn’t know how to size an A/C.
Designing Ductwork
Ductwork is sized based on the output of the A/C (and furnace). Following are the basic elements of good duct design:
- Only approved materials are used for duct fabrication.
- Ideally, ducts are located inside the conditioned spaces.
- Ducts should be installed in straight lines and smooth turns.
- Supply airflow and return airflow should be equal.
- Ducts are sealed using approved materials, such as screws, collars, compression straps, mastic and metal tape.
- Ducts outside conditioned spaces should be insulated.
- A blower door test is used to test duct efficiency.
Calibrating Airflow
Airflow calibration is an important step to maximize cooling comfort and efficiency. Moreover, the blower motor capacity affects duct sizing. New A/C systems with higher SEER ratings utilize two-stage and multi-stage blower motors. Advanced blower motors save energy and last longer since there is less wear.
Cooling Efficiency
A/Cs cool by extracting heat from airflow at the evaporator coil. Refrigerant is placed under alternating low and high pressures between coils, and needs free airflow to maximize home cooling. The coils and lines should be checked for tiny leaks, and refrigerant charge should be measured at installation.
For professional A/C installation in your Southeast Michigan home, check out Aladdin Heating & Cooling
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about A/C installation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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