An air conditioning system is the epitome of convenience in a home. It makes the indoors comfortable even at the peak of summer or winter. Many homeowners wonder whether they can install an air conditioner on their own. The answer is yes. You can perform the initial installation procedures, but a professional AC contractor needs to do the finishing touches.
Running connection lines and setting up the evaporator coils and condenser are simple tasks you can do independently. Of course, you will cut costs by doing it. However, fixing the refrigerant is rather risky, and it is advisable to leave it to a professional.
Installing an air conditioning system involves several steps starting with the buying process through to the testing step. This article provides you with a step-by-step DIY guide on how to install your AC unit by yourself.
Step 1 – Look for the Best AC Unit
Air conditioners come in different sizes and designs. It is important that you choose your AC wisely, considering that it is a costly and long-term investment. Before you start shopping for the unit, think about your needs and circumstances. What is the size of your house? What is the orientation of doors and windows? Do the windows have drapes or blinds? Is the house adequately insulated? What is the climate of your locality?
When buying the unit, consider energy efficiency, inverter technology, speed, type, components, and tonnage. Also, compare the prices of several brands. But keep in mind that the units with superior features might cost you slightly higher than the others.
Step 2 – Select an Ideal Location to Install the AC
The location of the AC determines how well it will function. Identify a place with adequate airflow and devoid of obstacles such as furniture, pipes, doors, and electronics. Choose a distant location from social areas to steer away from the noise of the AC. However, ensure it is easily accessible for maintenance and repairs.
Step 3 – Assess the Ductwork
Before you begin the actual installation, ensure the ductwork is in good shape. Remember that cracks and gaps in the ducts can cause leakage of air. This will increase your energy costs and affect the quality of air. Bended or sagging ducts can also impact the performance of the AC. Make sure you fix all the imperfections in the ductwork before you proceed to the next step.
Step 4 – Evaluate Safety Aspects
You must ensure your safety and that of your family and property. If you are replacing an old air conditioner, you need to remove the refrigerant from the unit. This process is potentially dangerous, and a certified AC contractor should handle it. Some air conditioning systems can be considerably heavy, and so you will need assistance to avoid accidents.
Step 5 – Connect the Unit
Once you have completed the first steps, then you are ready to connect the unit. Here is the procedure to follow:
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- Place the condenser on top of a pad in your chosen location.
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- Using a hole saw, cut a small hole on the wall near the condenser. Connecting lines and wires from the compressor will run through the hole to the air handler or furnace.
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- Construct a shelf in the plenum of the furnace where you will install the evaporator coil. But if you have an air handler, you should skip this step since the coil is already installed.
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- Connect the line set to the condensing unit and run it through the hole along with the ceiling until it reaches the evaporator coil.
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- Connect the suction line to the condensing unit’s surface valve and run it through the house to the evaporator. Leave the refrigerant and the lines to the evaporator open as these steps will be completed by the contractor.
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- Prepare the wiring of a high-voltage connection between the condensing unit and your home’s main electrical circuit panel. However, the connection can only be made by a skilled contractor.
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- Hook up low-voltage electricity lines from the main electrical panel to the condensing unit.
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- Install a thermostat and connect it well to the wires from the air handler or furnace.
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- You should install drain tubing that connects to the evaporator coil. The tubing allows condensed water to empty into the drain instead of building up inside the coil.
Step 6 – Call Your Air Conditioning System Contractor
Although you can do most of the work on your own, you will need an AC expert to complete the project. Some steps involved in the installation require special skills and tools. For instance, only EPA-Certified contractors are allowed to handle or adjust refrigerant. Some of the tasks the contractor will carry out include:
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- Connect high voltage lines between the condensing unit and the main electrical circuit panel.
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- Solder the copper refrigerant line connections.
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- Pull a vacuum on the refrigerant line with a vacuum pump.
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- Release the refrigerant from the condenser into the system, start the unit, and balance pressure.
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- Inspect the entire system to confirm whether you have installed it correctly.
Step 7 – Test the AC
Once the unit is in place, the next step is to check whether it is working correctly. Start by comparing the temperature readout on the thermostat with that of an external thermometer. If the figures differ, it is likely that the thermostat is not functioning properly.
Also, listen for unusual noises in the ductwork. This could be an indication of leaking air or a blockage in the ducts. Walk around the house to check whether the vents are blowing cold air into the rooms. Read the product guide for detailed instructions on how to test your air conditioning system. If anything is amiss, call an AC expert to get it fixed as soon as possible.
Step 8 – Maintain the System
Your work is not over yet, even if the system is up and running. An air conditioning unit needs to be checked regularly to assess its condition. Periodic checks will enable you to identify issues and address them early enough before they escalate.
It is also important to have the unit serviced by a professional AC contractor at least once a year. They will inspect the unit and replace worn out parts. Pay attention to your energy bills and keep track of your monthly consumption. If the bills begin to spike abnormally, your AC could be malfunctioning.
Installing an air conditioner is not as hard as it might sound. The above steps should get you started in the installation process. However, don’t forget that you may need to call an expert at some point. So, if you need a professional AC contractor to complete the installation or to maintain the system, contact Ice AC LV.
