Air conditioners are essential for staying cool and comfortable throughout the year. But, if you don't install your AC unit correctly, it could lead to costly repairs down the line or an inefficient system. To ensure that your air conditioner is up and running as soon as possible, here are 10 common mistakes to avoid during AC installation in Jacksonville, FL:
- Failing to size the AC unit properly: One of the most important steps in installing an air conditioning system is making sure it's sized correctly. If a unit is too large, it will cycle on and off frequently - wasting energy and leading to higher utility bills. On the flip side, a small unit won't be able to keep up with your home's cooling needs. So make sure to accurately measure your home before selecting a unit.
- Skipping over the ductwork: Once you've selected the right air conditioner for your home, it's important to check and make sure that the ducts are in good condition. If they're clogged, it will put stress on your system and limit its efficiency. Additionally, old or leaky ducts could be wasting energy and increasing your energy bills.
- Not sealing any gaps around the AC unit: Make sure to fill any gaps around the outdoor unit with caulk or foam sealant to prevent heat from escaping and keep pests out of your system while it's running.
- Not paying attention to insulation: Insulation is an important component of any air conditioner installation. It helps to keep cooled air inside your home, and can also prevent condensation from forming on the ducts or other components of the AC system.
- Skipping a professional inspection: Once you've installed your AC unit, it's always best practice to get a professional inspection from an HVAC technician. They will be able to make sure that everything is running correctly and that there are no hidden problems that need addressing.
- Not checking for proper drainage: Your air conditioner needs to have good drainage in order for it to work efficiently and effectively. Make sure to check for proper drainage before you turn on your system - otherwise, you risk flooding or water damage.
- Not preparing for noise: If you're installing a new AC unit, it's important to consider how much noise the system will make. Make sure that there's enough space around the outdoor unit so that the noise isn't disruptive to your neighbors or other parts of your home.
- Ignoring routine maintenance: To keep your air conditioner running properly, it's important to schedule routine maintenance with a professional HVAC technician. During this check-up, they'll be able to identify any potential problems and perform necessary repairs before they become more serious.
- Overlooking indoor air quality: Poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues down the line if not addressed during installation. An HVAC technician can give you advice on how to improve the air quality in your home, such as installing a whole-home filtration system or changing the filter on a regular basis.
- Trying to install an AC unit yourself: Installing an air conditioner is not a do-it-yourself project. You need to have specialized training and knowledge in order to ensure it's installed correctly and safely. This will help save time and money down the line - so it's best to leave it up to the professionals!
Top 5 Factors to Consider Before an AC Installation
- 1. Size of Your Home - The size of your home is essential when choosing the right AC unit for your needs. Make sure to get accurate measurements prior to selecting a system.
- 2. Climate - Different climates require different cooling needs, so it's important to consider how hot and humid it gets in the summer months before selecting an AC system.
- 3. Budget - Cost is always a factor when installing an air conditioner, so make sure you have a realistic budget in mind before shopping around for a new unit.
- 4. Efficiency Ratings - Check the SEER rating of any potential units you're considering and make sure that they meet local energy codes or HVAC standards in your area.
- 5. Reputation of the Installer - Make sure to research AC installers before committing to one. Check online reviews and ask friends/family for recommendations to ensure you're getting a quality installation service that backs up their work with a good warranty.
