9 Things To Consider Before An Air Conditioner Installation | Fort Worth, TX
It gets really hot in Fort Worth, TX, during the summer, and air conditioning is essential in keeping your home cool and comfortable. You should consider central air conditioner installation if you currently use window units to keep your home cool.
Although window units will keep you cool, there are a few downsides, including:
- The units need to be installed when the cooling season begins and removed when it ends, which can be a hassle. Window units are really heavy, which makes the installation and removal of the units challenging.
- When the units aren’t in use, you’ll need to find a place to store them. If you have several units, they can take up a lot of space when they aren’t in use.
- Window units are designed to cool just one room, so you’ll need to keep the doors closed in the rooms you want to stay cool. If you’re cooling a room that doesn’t have a door, such as a kitchen or living room, you’ll need to hang a sheet or blanket over the door to keep the cool air in that area.
- Window units won’t keep the entire house cool, and the rooms that don’t have a window unit will get hot.
- You can’t open the windows on unseasonably cool days if there’s an AC in the window, and you can’t allow fresh air in.
You won’t need to worry about any of these issues after a central air conditioner installation. Central units are designed to keep your entire house cool, and you won’t have to keep doors closed or hang blankets in doorways. Also, you won’t have to worry about installing, removing and storing units. Finally, your entire house will be cool, and you can open the windows anytime.
You may also need to install a new air conditioner to replace your old one. When the unit reaches the end of its lifespan, you’ll need to replace it to ensure you have an AC that functions as efficiently as possible.
You should also consider a new air conditioner installation if your existing unit uses R-22 refrigerant. A partial ban on R-22 went into effect in 2010 because the EPA determined that R-22 is toxic and harmful to the environment. Air conditioner manufacturers were informed about the ban, so they started producing units that use different types of refrigerant, and techs could only get R-22 to repair existing units. On January 1, 2020, the partial ban became a complete ban, and you can no longer get R-22 refrigerant. If the refrigerant leaks, it can’t be fixed and replacing the unit now will ensure the unit functions all summer long.
If you plan to install central air conditioning in your home, there are several things you need to consider, and planning ahead will make the process go smoothly.
#1 Determine Your Budget
The first thing you should do before an air conditioner installation is set a budget for the project. When creating the budget, there’s more to consider than the price of the unit. You also need to have money for the installation and labor. You’ll also need to have ductwork installed or have the existing duct work inspected and repaired, which should be included in the budget.
If you’re unsure what everything will cost, a professional in air conditioner installation in Fort Worth, TX, can help. They can give you an idea of what everything will cost, helping you create an accurate budget.
#2 Quality
It’s not uncommon to look for the least expensive air conditioning system, but this isn’t a good idea. Cheaper units are often of poor quality and may require frequent repairs, and will have a shorter lifespan than high-quality units. Also, lower-quality units aren’t as energy efficient as high-quality units, resulting in higher energy bills.
Choosing a cheap unit will save on the initial air conditioner installation cost; however, it will cost you more money throughout the unit’s lifespan.
A professional in air conditioner installation can help you choose a higher quality unit that will work with your budget.
#3 Size
Size is an essential factor when planning an air conditioner installation, and there are two different sizes you need to consider.
First, you have to consider the indoor unit size to ensure it will fit perfectly in the area you plan to have it installed, and you should start by measuring the area in your Fort Worth, TX home. When you know how much space you have, you can check the dimensions of various units to find one that will fit perfectly. You shouldn’t have to measure the area for the compressor because it’s installed outdoors, where you should have plenty of space.
Next, you need to consider your home’s square footage. If you buy a unit that’s too large for your home’s square footage, it will cycle frequently and won’t remove the humidity in your home the way it should, and your home will be warm and sticky. Choosing a unit that’s too small for your home will also cause problems. The air conditioner won’t have enough power to keep your home cool, and won’t have a chance to cycle, causing your energy bills to increase.
A professional in air conditioning repair can help you choose the correct size unit for your home, ensuring your house will be cool and remove the humidity.
#4 Compressor Installation
Although you don’t need to measure where you plan to install the outdoor compressor, you still need to choose the right location. The best place for the compressor is a shaded area. The compressor will overheat in the sun, and the unit won’t produce cold air.
Also, the compressor should be installed in an area with no shrubs or plants nearby. When the shrubs or plants grow, they can get caught up in the compressor’s fan and cause damage.
If you’re having trouble choosing a location for the outdoor compressor, a professional in air conditioner installation can help you choose the best place.
#5 Energy Consumption
Running an air conditioner all summer long can cause your energy bills to increase, so you want to choose a unit that won’t consume as much energy. Air conditioners are rated, so you know how much energy various models will consume. The rating is called the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). EER ratings range from 8 to 11.5; the lower the number, the more energy the unit will consume.
Units with low EER ratings will be less expensive but more costly to run every summer. It’s best to go with a unit with a higher EER rating so you’ll spend less money on your monthly energy bills.
If you can’t find a unit with a good EER rating that works with your budget, a professional in air conditioning installation in Fort Worth, TX, can help. Professionals have access to various models and can help you find one that works for you.
#6 Durability
You want to choose a durable model that won’t require frequent repairs or need to be replaced sooner than it should. You can read customer reviews on various models, helping you choose a durable unit. You can also speak to a professional in air conditioner installation to ensure you select a durable unit that will reach its expected lifespan and won’t break down frequently.
#7 Efficient Ductwork
Ductwork is essential for central air conditioning. The unit produces cold air and travels through the ducts to the vents in every room. If there has never been a central air conditioner or heating system in your Fort Worth, TX home, you’ll need to have ductwork installed. Installing new ductwork can cost between $1,900 to $6,000 depending on the size of your home, and the project will take two or three days if the crew works 8 to 10 hours a day. An air conditioner installation professional can tell you what the ductwork installation will cost and give you a timeline for the project.
If there was once central air conditioning or heating in your home, a professional in air conditioner installation will inspect the ductwork for cracks, breaks, or failed seals. If problems with the ducts aren’t repaired, the cold air will escape before reaching the vents, resulting in poor airflow. Poor airflow will prevent the AC from keeping your home cool, and your energy bills will increase significantly. An HVAC tech will ensure the existing ducts are in good condition and make any necessary repairs.
#8 Additional Equipment
Although your new air conditioner will function well on its own, additional equipment can improve its performance, including:
- Smart AC controller: Smart AC controllers work with an app, allowing you to control the air conditioner from anywhere using your Smartphone. If you have an Alexa or Google Home, you can control the air conditioner using the sound of your voice. You can also set temperature triggers and weekly AC schedules. Not only is this more convenient, but it can also save money on your energy bills.
- UV lights: Over time, germs, bacteria, and fungi can form in the air conditioner or the air ducts, affecting the air quality in your Fort Worth, TX home.
- Dehumidifier: The air conditioner is designed to remove humidity from the home, but it can get very humid in the summer. If your air conditioner has trouble keeping up with the moisture, a dehumidifier can help. It will remove the humidity and moisture the air conditioner can’t, keeping your home cooler and more comfortable.
- Air quality device: Healthy air quality is essential for your family’s health. When the air conditioner runs all summer, the windows must stay closed to keep the cool air inside. If you can’t open the windows, fresh air won’t come into your home, and your family will breathe in stale air, which isn’t healthy. You can install an air quality device to ensure the air is safe to breathe. A professional in air conditioner installation can help you choose the best air quality device that works with your budget.
- Heat pump: Adding a heat pump will provide heat during the winter, making your air conditioner a heating and cooling unit.
If you aren’t sure if you can benefit from additional equipment and if it’s worth the cost, a professional in air conditioner installation in Fort Worth, TX, can help and answer any questions you have.
#9 Routine Maintenance
When the air conditioner installation is complete, you can’t just set it and forget it. You’ll need to schedule maintenance appointments every year before the cooling season begins. The HVAC tech can detect minor problems before escalating to something more serious and more expensive to repair. In addition, neglecting to have the AC maintained can cause problems, such as refrigerant leaks, reduced airflow, frozen evaporator coils, or warm indoor temperatures.
Why Choose One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating Of Fort Worth?
Planning an air conditioner installation can be challenging, and our techs at Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth can help. We are a full-service HVAC company, serving customers in the area since 1988. Many of our first-time customers have become loyal customers, thanks to the excellent service we provide.
Our techs are professionally trained, highly qualified, certified, and can handle air conditioner installation, maintenance, and repairs. They must also pass a drug test, background check, and register with the state of Texas before they’re hired.
HVAC technology is constantly evolving, We want to be sure our techs can install, maintain and repair the latest HVAC models, and we require them to receive ongoing training.
If you have an HVAC problem that can’t wait, we provide emergency service. Your comfort is our top priority, and we’ll do our best to get a tech to your home as quickly as possible.
If you’re planning a new air conditioner installation or any other HVAC equipment, our knowledgeable staff can give you information on money-saving programs and rebates.
To schedule an appointment for air conditioner installation or any other HVAC service, give One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth a call today.