AC Unit Installation Checklist

What You Should Know About AC Installation

AC unit installation should comply with guidelines and as a homeowner, you can understand the procedures. No matter how important it is to choose the right air conditioner, AC unit installation is the most important part of your deal with the contractor. AC unit installation requires air conditioning contractors to follow CSA standards. When you want to hire an air conditioner installer you need to know about the simple routines it takes to install an air conditioner. Read this article to understand and follow an air conditioning installation checklist.

AC Unit Installation Checklist

Air Conditioning Unit

When choosing the right air conditioner, it needs to meet all standards by CSA for performance. Different AC units such as split systems require a CSA performance standard to meet minimum requirements when installing. All evaporator coils, condensing units, furnaces, and air handlers shall be properly matched systems identified as performance-rated by AHRI. AHRI is the body used to test and match HVAC types of equipment to meet minimum standards for energy efficiency.

AC Unit Design

The AC unit (if new) is required to pass a heat loss and heat gain calculation by the HRAI calculation manual. For example, a single-stage central air conditioner was selected with a cooling capacity between 0.95 to 1.15 of the total heat gain of the given house. Also, the system shall be capable of handling the pressure drop of the air filtration system being used.

AC Unit Installation Instructions

When your AC contractor is installing your new AC unit installed make sure they are following instructions. All AC unit installation shall be by the manufacturer’s instructions with due consideration to the following:

1. The outdoor condensing unit should be away from fences, walls, and other surfaces that could reduce flow;
2. Be sure to keep refrigerant line lengths to the minimum;
3. Make sure the AC unit installation is done with minimum length for refrigerant lines outside the conditioned space;
4. Minimize sound problems (7.6 bels maximum for unit sound rating is considered good industry practice);
5. Ensure good service access;
6. Consider soil or land shifting (new houses settling) due to frost.
7. Your installer shall adhere to applicable local by-laws and manufacturer’s specifications.

Your installer should inspect the condition of your supply and return ducts and make sure they are sealed with suitable material (normally an aluminum tape is used) to minimize air leakage. All duct sealing materials should be rated by the manufacturer’s instructions. Any of your ducts installed in unconditioned spaces shall have RSI 3.5 (R20) insulation with a vapor barrier specified. The refrigerant lines should be insulated by the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Ductwork

If you need to install a new ductwork you should be hiring a qualified sheet metal worker. A sheet metal worker is capable of redoing a small portion of ductwork or a complete ductwork installation for new home construction.

System Start-Up

Once your new AC Unit is installed your contractor will perform a startup and operational checks. The contractor will check the refrigerant charge specified by specific manufacturer’s guidelines. Also, your contractor will check the proper airflow across the indoor coil. Checking that circulating fan motor and compressor motor power inputs are to specifications.

AC Unit Documentation

Your new AC unit will come with its manufacturer’s documentation. Your contractor will advise you about your product warranty and provide you with a copy of the model and serial number. Try to register your warranty with the manufacturer or have your contractor do that.

Owner Education

The installer should provide you with the following instructions on operating your new air conditioner:

1. Proper operation of the system including operation and programming of the indoor thermostat;
2. Explain proper service and maintenance requirements;
3. Provide details on warranty procedures and responsibilities;
4. Offer a contract for warranty maintenance and service.

Now all there is left to do is to enjoy the cool and conditioned air inside your home while it’s hot and humid outdoors. Thank you for reading this article. Please leave your comments below.