From Start To Finish: The Process Of Air Conditioner Installation | The Woodlands, TX
Many people find it hard to believe how complicated the process of air conditioner installation can be. The first thing you should know is that a lot of work goes not only into the installation itself but also into the entire preparation stage. Unfortunately, many contractors out there choose to skip seemingly minor steps during air conditioner installations, and while the end result is usually a system that “works well”, the actual desired outcome is a system that “works great”. The reason behind this is that a system that only “works well” will cause you to lose a lot of money and comfort over the long run.
With this article, we aim to make you aware of all the steps that should go into every air conditioner installation. This should provide you with the peace of mind you can get from knowing your air conditioner installation contractor in The Woodlands, TX is doing the job correctly, which will result in an air conditioner that “works great”. So, read on and find out what a proper air conditioner installation entails from start to finish.
Collecting Important Information During the First Visit
When you are looking into finding a contractor for air conditioner installation in The Woodlands, TX, the first thing that will happen is that an estimator will visit your home or office where the installation will take place. During this visit, it is imperative that this person take a good look at your existing system and collect some data about it in order to provide you with an accurate estimate of the final cost of the installation of your new equipment. The importance of this visit also resides in the fact that sometimes special tools or equipment may be required to install your new air conditioner. By visualizing this need right off the bat, the estimator can communicate the need to the installation team and they won’t lose time going back and forth finding what they need on the day they carry out the work.
On the Day of the Air Conditioner Installation: Safety Checks and Reviews
When the day of the installation of your new air conditioning system arrives, you should expect a team of professionals to arrive at your home. This is a job that requires more than one installer because of everything that has to be done, so expect a few techs to ring your doorbell as soon as your scheduled appointment time arrives.
As soon as the team arrives at your home and establishes contact with you they will have to go over some important information about the job with you. They will also hand you a packet of documents that contains important information about your equipment and the accessories they will be installing. Additionally, there will be a form with any special instructions you gave the estimator during the first visit and anything else they should know before getting started. Take a few minutes to go through everything with the installation team and ask any questions that may arise throughout. Doing this can prevent any time-wasting mistakes from giving you grief later on. During this time, some other members of the installation team will start taking measures to protect your floors and other important areas of your home, turning off the existing power supply to your system and any gas lines leading into it.
Getting Started: Removal of Your Existing Air Conditioning System
Before physically removing your old air conditioner, the installation team has to empty out the coolant from it. Because of current environmental standards, it can’t just simply be vented outdoors and will require a licensed, certified, and trained professional to get the job done. Many air conditioner installers already have the necessary credentials, so don’t be afraid to ask your contractor if that is the case. You can even request to see the expert’s credentials to make sure everything is being performed according to the law.
As soon as the coolant has been correctly removed, the installers will move on to disconnect all electrical wires and connections from your old equipment. If you don’t already have one, something called a “disconnect box” will be required for your new air conditioner. This box has the ability to turn off your system in case of an emergency. Once all of the electrical connections to your old system have been removed, the installation team will move your old air conditioner out of the way and start preparations to install the new one.
Preparing the Area Where Your New Air Conditioner Will Be Installed
It is very likely your old air conditioner was in use in the same place you will be installing the new one for many years. During this time, the ground it was set on will have sunk and cracked. Before setting up your new system, the installers will make sure the ground is level and they will replace the pad where your old air conditioner rested. The pad can be made out of a variety of materials, including concrete, but concrete is not always the best as it can shift and crack over time. Using a composite pad is probably the best option given its durability and ease of repair when needed. A composite pad also reduces noise and shaking the air conditioner can produce more effectively than concrete alone.
Once the outdoor area has been prepared for your new air conditioner installation, the installers will remove the indoor components, including the evaporator coil and refrigerant lines. After all of these components are removed, the installation of the new ones can begin.
Finishing the Job
Once your air conditioner installation has concluded, make sure to have your installation team wait for a little while to make sure the new system is cooling correctly and working perfectly. This is a great time to ask any other questions you may have thought of during the process and to go over any instructions you may have not understood. At Mr. Reliable Heating & Air, we are the foremost experts in air conditioning installations in The Woodlands, TX. So, if you are looking into replacing your old system, don’t hesitate to give us a call today so we can show you why we are the best!
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