Keeping your home at an ideal temperature can be challenging. Home air conditioning units help by regulating your indoor climate and eliminating moisture, smoke, dust, bacteria, heat and other pollutants.
Air conditioners use a thermodynamic refrigeration cycle to cool your home. During this process, cold liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from your room through the evaporator and changes to a gas to be vented outdoors. Contact Ausco Air Heating & Air Conditioning for specialized services.
The process of installing a new air conditioning system can vary slightly from one professional to another, but a reputable HVAC company will follow a specific set of steps. They’ll begin by reviewing the job details with their lead installer and getting tools and supplies in place. Then they’ll start a safety process that includes turning off gas and electrical circuits for the old air conditioner to prevent accidental shock or fire during removal.
The next step is to prepare the area for the new air conditioner by putting down a gravel base or a composite pad that’s leveled or built up to ensure an even surface. This is necessary because newer AC units are larger and wider than older models, and a concrete pad could crack and shift during installation. A gravel or composite pad is also better for absorbing vibration and protecting the new equipment from damage during operation.
Once the pad is ready, the technicians can install the new air conditioner condenser on it. They’ll uncratch the unit and inspect it for any damages that may have occurred in transit. A reputable company will run multiple inspections on equipment, both when it’s delivered and before it’s installed, so you can be sure that your new air conditioner is high-quality and safe to use.
After the new air conditioner is in place, a technician will install hangers to hold the line set that runs from the condenser outside to the indoor evaporator coil on top of the furnace. The line set is typically a copper line with a service valve on it, and the installer will push the suction line out and around a hole drilled through the band board to the outside unit. The liquid line is then unrolled a few feet, and the smaller end gets pushed up against the furnace through a joist or beam, secured by the hangers.
Once the lines are secure, a vacuum is applied to the system. This removes any oil, air, odors, and other contaminants that may have entered the refrigerant during installation. Once the system is properly vaccumed, the technician will put the service valve in place and connect the copper line set. A small low-voltage control wire will also be installed to link the thermostat and the air conditioner.
Maintenance
The best way to keep HVAC systems working properly for a long time is to routinely carry out maintenance on them. This will reduce the frequency of problems, and extend their lifespan. A good service provider will offer a variety of preventive maintenance plans to meet the needs of different customers. These plans should cover all the basic requirements of a HVAC system. For example, some will include cleaning the evaporator coil of dust, and lubricating fan motor bearings. Other plans will check airflow, and the operation of the thermostat and condensate drain.
Professional maintenance should be carried out at least twice a year, usually in spring and fall. This will allow them to spot warning signs of potential problems, and fix them before they become more serious. They should also be able to tell when a system is in need of replacement.
Some tasks are better left to a licensed HVAC professional, but others can be done by the homeowner. This will save money and ensure that the work is done correctly.
Cleaning ductwork helps to improve air quality for property occupants and avoids clogs in the evaporator coil. A clean evaporator coil also helps to maintain refrigerant levels. It is important to clean and change the filter regularly. These filters can contain a lot of gunk, including hair and pet dander, that can affect the efficiency of a system.
The insulation on the coolant lines can degrade over time, and this should be replaced to keep the refrigerant at a constant temperature as it circulates. It is essential to do this, as a hot refrigerant can cause damage.
The condensate drain should be checked for clogs, and the cabinet and all electrical connections should be inspected. It is important to shut off power to the system before doing any work on it. This can be done by turning off the power at the circuit breaker in the house, and at the outdoor unit.
A professional should inspect the fan blades and motor for any sign of overheating or loosening. They should be cleaned thoroughly, and the blower fan motor bearings lubricated to minimize friction. The condensate drain line should be cleaned of any clogs, and the condenser should be flushed with water to remove the build-up of algae. It is important to do this before the cooling season begins, as a clogged drain can cause water damage to the home.
Repair
The best way to avoid the need for AC repairs is with preventive maintenance. Regular cleaning, resetting the circuit breaker and replacing filters are easy fixes that will ensure your system runs smoothly for years to come. To get the most out of your system, you should also consider signing up for an annual service plan which will cover most routine maintenance services at a lower price than individual visits from contractors.
Air conditioning is more than just a machine that blows cold air; it’s an intricately designed system that regulates both temperature and humidity in our living and working environments, safeguarding our health in the process. When a AC malfunctions, it can have a number of serious effects. A compromised HVAC system can lead to insufficient air circulation, where spores of mold and other allergens build up, and are then recirculated back into the living or work space. This can cause respiratory problems and exacerbate existing allergies or asthma.
In extreme temperatures, a faulty air conditioning system can actually have life-threatening repercussions. Heat exhaustion and even hypothermia are real risks if not addressed in time, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly or young children.
To determine the source of a problem, an experienced technician will start by observing the unit and its components for signs of wear and tear. They’ll also test to make sure the unit is plugged in and that the thermostat’s setting is set to AC mode. Finally, they’ll use a multimeter and a voltage detector to check that the air conditioning compressor (which sounds like a refrigerator) and fan are running.
Depending on the result of these tests, the technician will move onto more in-depth inspections and troubleshooting. For example, a thermal imaging camera is an invaluable tool in diagnosing the issue of low refrigerant or a blocked evaporator coil. It works by detecting differences in heat, with hot spots indicating an overworked component or blockage.
Once the technician has pinpointed the problem, they’ll give you a written estimate of costs and fees. Typically, they’ll be able to fix the issue on the spot, but there may be cases where an important part needs to be ordered, in which case they’ll return to install it once it arrives.
Replacement
A new HVAC system has a lot to offer your home, from comfort and efficiency to energy savings. When you’re ready to replace your old system, choose professionals for the best results. Professional installation guarantees warranty eligibility and provides a smooth process from start to finish.
A professional from Air Heating & Air Conditioning will visit your home and perform an assessment. He or she will measure square footage and conduct load calculations to determine the size and type of unit you need. It’s important to get this step right because a unit that’s too big or small will not be effective.
The professional will also look at your home’s layout and ductwork. This will help him or her determine if any additional work is necessary for the replacement to be successful. For instance, if your ductwork needs to be replaced, this can add hours to the overall project time.
Next, the contractor will remove the existing unit and prepare for the new one. This includes testing and removing any potential asbestos or lead paint, if necessary. Then, the team will place the new unit in the space and connect it to your ductwork, electrical system, and thermostat.
Finally, the technicians will clean up and clear away tools and materials. They will then run the system and complete a systems operations evaluation. During this step, the technicians will check and test all components of the system to ensure proper function.
The amount of time it takes to install your new AC depends on the size and complexity of your home’s system and whether or not ductwork needs to be replaced. If you’re replacing a simple central AC unit, it usually takes less than a day. However, a more complex system like a heat pump or geothermal unit will take longer. If a ductwork replacement is required, the installation process can take three to five days.