8 Things To Consider Before An Air Conditioner Installation | Fort Worth, TX
Summers in Texas are very hot, and it isn’t uncommon for the temperature to reach over 90 degrees on most days. When it gets this hot outside, most people spend more time in their air-conditioned homes to escape the heat.
If you currently use window air conditioners to keep your home cool and comfortable, you should consider installing a central air conditioning system. You won’t have to worry about the hassles associated with window units, including:
- You must install the units at the beginning of the cooling season and remove them at the end.
- You need to find adequate storage for the units when they aren’t in use.
- Window units are designed to cool one room, and you must keep the doors closed to keep the room comfortable. If the room doesn’t have a door, such as a living room or kitchen, you’ll need to hang a blanket in the doorway to ensure your house stays cool.
- When there’s an air conditioner in the window, you can’t open it on an unseasonably cool day to let fresh air inside.
- Most window units are loud when they run.
Central air stays installed all year long, and you can turn it on when it gets hot. Also, central units are designed to cool the entire house, and there’s a vent in every room, so you won’t have to keep doors closed or hang sheets in the doorways. In addition, you can open the windows whenever you like, and central air conditioning systems are designed to be whisper quiet.
If you’re considering installing central air in your home, there are plenty of things to consider, and an air conditioner installation professional can help.
#1 Creating a Budget
A budget is necessary for all home projects, and air conditioner installation isn’t an exception. There’s more to creating a budget than estimating the cost of the unit, and you’ll need to include the installation fee and the ductwork. It can be challenging to determine a price for the installation and duct work, so it’s best to work with an air conditioner installation professional in Fort Worth, TX. A professional can give you an idea of each service’s cost, allowing you to create a realistic budget.
#2 Choosing the Right Locations
When you have a budget, it’s time to choose the location to install the indoor unit and outdoor compressor. Most people install the indoor unit in the basement, which is the best option. It would be best if you choose an area with enough room for the unit and plenty of space to move around it. A professional in air conditioner installation in Fort Worth, TX, can help you choose the best location for the unit.
You also have to find an area outside for the compressor. You can’t just select a space for installation, and it’s best to choose a shaded area. If the sun beats down on the compressor all day, it can overheat, shut down, and you’ll feel warm air coming from the vents when the air conditioner runs. It’s also best to select a location away from plants and shrubs. You can’t control the direction they grow, and if the plants and shrubs grow too close to the compressor, they can damage the fan. If you aren’t sure which area of the yard is best for the compressor, an HVAC professional can help.
#3 Choosing the Right Size Unit
Choosing the right size unit for your home is essential, and there are two sizes to consider. First, you must consider the unit’s physical size to ensure it will fit in the area you’ve chosen to install it. You can do this by measuring the space you plan to install the unit and checking the specifications of the unit you’re planning to install. If you work with an air conditioner installation professional, they can measure the area for you and find the right size unit.
You also have to consider the size of your house. If you install a unit that’s too small for your home’s square footage, the unit will have to work overtime to keep your house cool and comfortable, causing your electric bills to increase. If you install a unit that’s too large for your home’s square footage, you’ll waste electricity because larger units consume more energy, and your energy bills will increase. Also, if the unit is too large, it will cycle too frequently, making it challenging for the air conditioner to remove the humidity in your house.
An air conditioner installation professional in Fort Worth, TX, can help you select the correct size unit based on the square footage of your house.
#4 Choosing a High-Quality Unit
Choosing the cheapest unit isn’t the best idea. Lower-quality units require more repairs than higher-quality units and typically have a shorter lifespan. You can do your own research and read industry and customer reviews, or you can work with a professional in air conditioner installation to help select the best unit. A professional has extensive knowledge of the various brands and models available and can help you choose the highest quality unit without going over your budget.
#5 Energy Consumption
Energy consumption is an essential factor to consider before an air conditioner installation because it will determine how much it will cost to run the unit. Air conditioner energy consumption is rated using an Energy Efficient Rating (EER). Central air conditioner EER ratings range from 11 to 14; the higher the EER rating, the more energy efficient the unit will be.
Units with higher EER ratings are more expensive than units with lower ratings, but you can make up the cost with the money you’ll save on your electric bills.
If you’re having trouble finding an energy-efficient unit, a professional in air conditioner installation can help. They’ll help you find a unit with a high EER rating that works with your budget.
#6 The Air Ducts
Central air conditioning systems have air ducts that allow the cold air to travel from the unit to the vents throughout your house. If there was once a central air conditioner in your home that has since been removed, the air ducts would already be installed. The ducts must be in excellent condition because the cold air will escape from any damaged areas. A professional in air conditioner installation can inspect the existing ducts to determine if they need to be repaired.
If there’s never been a central air conditioning system in your home, the air ducts must be installed during the installation process. According to Home Advisor, the national average to install HVAC ductwork can range from $454 to $2,056, depending on the size of your house. Also, installing the air ducts can take one to four days.
A professional in air conditioner installation in Fort Worth, TX can determine how much it will cost to install the air ducts and how much time it will add to the project, so you’re prepared.
#7 Additional Equipment
When planning an air conditioner installation, you should consider the additional equipment available to improve how the unit functions.
- Wi-Fi or smart thermostats: Installing a Wi-Fi or smart thermostat can help save money on your energy bills. Wi-Fi thermostats can be adjusted using your Smartphone from anywhere in the world, as long as there’s an internet connection. You’ll be able to turn the unit down when nobody is home to save energy and turn it up before arriving home, so your home is cool and comfortable when you get there.
Smart thermostats work with smart devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. You can adjust the thermostat using the sound of your voice when you’re at home, which is more convenient than getting up to adjust the thermostat. You can use the smart device’s app on your Smartphone to adjust the temperature when you aren’t home, helping to save money on your energy bills. A professional in air conditioner installation in Fort Worth, TX can discuss the benefits of each thermostat to help you make the best choice. - UV lamp: Bacteria and mold growth can occur inside the air conditioner. When mold grows in the unit, it must be completely eradicated to prevent your family from developing mold-related illnesses. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to eradicate mold in the unit, and if the tech cannot eliminate every spore, you’ll need to replace the unit.
A professional in air conditioner installation in Fort Worth, TX can install a UV lamp in the unit to prevent bacteria and mold growth, eliminating the need to replace the unit before the end of its lifespan. - Air purifier: Your air conditioner has a replaceable air filter that captures airborne particles. If you or a family member has allergies or asthma, you may want to consider installing an air purifier. It can capture the airborne particles that the air filter didn’t catch and can capture 75 percent of organisms .30 microns in size and 95 percent of organisms .30 microns or larger. If air quality is important to you, a professional in air conditioner installation can help you select the best one that fits your budget.
- Zoning systems: Your cooling needs aren’t always the same in every part of your house. For example, you won’t need to cool the bedrooms when your family is in common areas. If you have a spare bedroom, it doesn’t have to stay cool unless someone is using the room. You will need more air conditioning in the kitchen when you’re cooking or in the living room when the sun shines into the house. You can discuss zoning systems with a professional in air conditioning systems that will allow you to choose the rooms that need more or little air conditioning, saving a significant amount of money on your energy bills.
- Dehumidifier: The air conditioner is designed to eliminate humidity from the home, but if you live in an area where summers are extremely humid, you should consider installing a dehumidifier. It can serve as a backup for your air conditioner, eliminating humidity. The dehumidifier will prevent your home from getting damp due to the humidity, which puts your home at risk for mold growth. Also, the unit will eliminate musty odors in your house. If you aren’t sure if you need a dehumidifier, an air conditioner installation professional in Fort Worth, TX can help.
#8 Routine Maintenance
When the air conditioner installation is complete, the tech will discuss the importance of routine maintenance. Maintaining the unit every year before the cooling season starts is essential to ensure it functions as efficiently as possible. You also must change the air filters regularly and have a duct cleaning service performed every three to five years to prevent the air ducts from getting clogged. The air conditioner installation tech that installed the unit can tell you when everything should be done and how often.
Call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth Today
If you’re planning a central air conditioner installation and want to work with the best in the business, look no further than One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth. We’re a full-service HVAC company, serving customers in the area since 1988, and many of our customers have been working with us for over 30 years.
Our techs are professionally trained, NATE certified, and have the knowledge and skill to handle the most challenging jobs in the industry. They also must pass a background check and drug test before they’re hired to ensure our customers feel safe when they allow our techs into their homes.
If you have an HVAC issue that affects your home’s temperature or puts your home and family at risk, don’t panic. We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and we’ll get a tech to your home as quickly as possible to resolve the problem.
To schedule an appointment for a new air conditioner installed or for any HVAC service, call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth!