What You Need to Know About AC Installation
AC repairs Kannapolis installation requires a lot of moving parts. It involves taking measurements, putting in the right electrical wiring, and doing any work that is necessary on the home’s ductwork or thermostat.
If you are installing a window air conditioner, install L-brackets on the upper window frame to prevent the lower window from accidentally opening. Add foam insulation to fill any gaps between the sash and the window frame.
Installation Location
The location of an AC unit can have a significant impact on how well it works. A good location can make a huge difference in reducing energy costs, noise, and indoor air quality.
Ideally, an outdoor unit should be mounted high enough to allow it to circulate cool air efficiently. It should also be screened by shrubbery or a cement wall. This can help to prevent vandalism and burglaries.
It is also important that the AC unit is not near any electrical equipment that may produce a lot of heat or fire hazards. It should also be away from household pets. Dogs often mark their territory on air conditioners and can cause damage, especially if they are not fenced in. It is a good idea to keep the air conditioner unit free of bushes and trees that could get overgrown, blocking the airflow. The location should be easily accessible so that it is easy for the technician to service and repair it when needed.
Electrical Wiring
Electrical wiring consists of insulated conductors that carry electricity from the power source, usually a circuit breaker box, to various outlets throughout your home. These wires are typically in metal or plastic tubing and can be run in a variety of ways, including through specialised bendable pipes called conduit, rectangular cross-section metal or PVC wire troughs (known as trunking in North America) or through concrete, wood or other materials.
When installing an AC unit, you will need a disconnect switch and a length of electrical wire long enough to run from the disconnect switch to the air conditioner. It is important to use an electrical cable that is the correct gauge for the job and to properly connect it. Always turn off the breaker before working on any electrical wire and test for deadness with a voltage tester. If you are not confident in your electrical skills, consider hiring an electrician to reconnect the wiring.
Ductwork
The air conditioning ducts are an integral part of the system, transporting cooled air to rooms throughout a house. They’re available in a variety of shapes and sizes, with different types impacting the cost. Ducts can be fabricated from a variety of materials, such as galvanized steel (which is typically painted) and aluminum preinsulated panels, polyurethane or phenolic foam panels with aluminium facings, and vinyl-encased insulation around coiled metal wire.
Some ducts feature specialized parts, such as turning vanes at 90-degree changes, to minimize resistance and turbulence in the air flow. They may also be sealed with caulking and tape. It’s important to have a well-functioning duct system, as it helps to save energy and provides adequate air distribution. A poorly functioning or damaged ductwork can reduce efficiency and lead to uneven temperatures in different areas of the home. If you need a new duct system or a repair for existing ducts, contact Swan Plumbing, Hearing, and Air.
The AC Unit
The condenser unit is where the cooling magic happens. The condenser collects latent heat from the air in the summer and either releases it to the atmosphere or transfers it into your home (depending on whether you have a heat pump condenser).
A fan blows cool outside air over the copper tubes and aluminum fins inside the outdoor unit. This causes the refrigerant to revert from a high-pressure gas into a low-pressure liquid. The cooled liquid then moves back through the compressor and into the condenser coils where it disperses latent heat in the air outside.
Your contractor should talk to you about your AC unit size and efficiency, as measured by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). A higher SEER rating will cost more upfront but save on electricity bills in the long run. Your HVAC professional may also recommend a maintenance plan for your new AC system. These will be based on your home and its unique characteristics.