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3 Problems That Can Go Wrong During Air Conditioning Installation

AC replacement service technicians installing an outdoor air conditioning unit.

The process of air conditioning installation in Wayne, PA has a lot of steps and processes. Sometimes things can go wrong which is why it’s important to know what to look for in the event that you had an AC installed and it’s just not working properly.

With a good HVAC company that cares, these problems will be found during installation and fixed promptly. That being said, it’s still important to know as a homeowner what they are so you can look out for your own best interest during installation.

Poor Drainage System Setup

Your air conditioner has a pan to collect condensation that happens during normal AC function. This pan fills up, but if it spills over, it can flood components of your air conditioner and cause problems.

Your AC has a condensate draining line that runs from the pan to somewhere outside of the cabinet. This is important because you don’t want the water that leaves pooling up around the cabinet and rusting the metal or aiding in flooding it in any way.

But if the drainage system isn’t installed properly, backup can leak from your AC into your home. That means it can make your walls, floors, and belongings moist and create the perfect environment for mold to grow. Between that and water damage, a bad drainage system can cause five figures worth of damage to your home. It needs to be installed properly, and condensate drainage issues may also call for related plumbing corrections during installation or replacement work.

Air Duct Problems During AC Installation

The air ducts in your home can normally be used for your new AC installation (if you’re replacing an old The air ducts in your home can normally be used for your new AC installation if you’re replacing an old unit with a new one, but if your ac unit struggles to cool, it may make more sense to replace it than keep working around the current setup. Your contractor should perform an assessment of the ductwork and the hvac system to confirm compatibility, determine whether duct issues, repeated repairs, or a poor maintenance history mean replacement is the better option, and help you make an informed decision. Choosing a high-efficiency replacement is also a smart step when upgrading, since SEER is the main rating to review for energy efficiency, and higher SEER ratings indicate better energy efficiency. Replacement planning should also account for refrigerant changes, including the HVAC industry’s shift from R-410A to R-454B. Higher SEER ratings usually raise the upfront price and overall cost, but they can reduce energy bills and utility bills in the long run. For reference, new split systems start at SEER 14, while Energy Star models start at SEER 15. Efficiency, system size, and duct compatibility are all factors in choosing the right replacement system. Local incentives, including tax credits and rebates, may also help offset the cost of upgrading to a higher-efficiency system and support your budget.

Your ductwork has a certain level of air pressure that it needs in order to deliver cool air throughout your home efficiently and support the cooling system. If there are tears in the air ducts or holes from rodents and wear and tear, these need to be fixed, but it’s often difficult to spot these prior to installation.

Incorrect Thermostat Placement

The placement of your thermostat matters more than most people think. It’s not just for convenient access; your thermostat reads the temperature of your house and then signals to the AC whether it should turn on or off. The typical lifespan of an ac unit is 10-15 years, so homeowners can better expect when replacement may make more sense. Units over 15 years old are often less efficient, so if recurring thermostat complaints and frequent repairs continue, an older system may be better replaced with a new unit rather than repaired again. Before installation moves forward, your existing ductwork should also be checked to confirm it is compatible with the new cooling system.

If it’s in an area that’s too close to a vent, or there’s not enough air circulation, then it may not read the proper temperature of the house. This just leads to bad AC usage and improper temperatures, and a new air conditioner can be 30% to 50% more efficient than an aging system while also helping you avoid costly repairs. That efficiency improvement can also lower long-term operating costs over the lifespan of the replacement system. Hidden duct issues can also reduce how efficient the new system is, even when the equipment itself is installed correctly.

Avoid AC Installation Problems With Expert Service

With the experience and history under our belt, we’ve seen just about every AC installation-related problem you can think of. We’ll do our best during installation to ensure these problems aren’t repeated and leave you with a better AC setup than you had before by reviewing system options, matching the right equipment to your house, and providing replacement services tailored to your home with trained technicians using specialized tools while following manufacturer requirements.

AC replacement costs typically range from $2,000 to $12,000, with central air units often costing between $2,500 and $4,500. Larger homes may need $6,000 to $10,000 for replacement. Split systems usually run $2,000 to $3,000 and include an outdoor unit. Ductless mini-splits are popular for small homes. Window units generally cost between $150 and $1,000. Geothermal heat pumps often range from $4,200 to $12,000. Labor can also affect the total, and labor costs for AC installation can vary by season. For homes with ducts, variable-speed central air can offer maximum efficiency, and it helps to look for high SEER ratings, especially above 14. Special financing may be available to help homeowners pay over time for replacement projects, including leasing with no upfront costs, though approved credit may be required. Tax credits and rebates can reduce costs for energy-efficient units.

Contact Michall Daimion Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today to schedule your AC installation as soon as possible.

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