What to Watch Out for Before and After Your Central Ducted AC System Is Installed

What to Watch Out for Before and After Your Central Ducted AC System Is Installed

Hiring a technician to install your AC system? Here’s what you should look out for before and after installation:

Before Installation

1. Proper Sizing: Ensure the system is sized correctly for your space. If it’s too small, it won’t cool effectively; too large, and you’ll waste energy. Ask your installer how they calculated the required cooling capacity, which is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units) or Tons (1 Ton = 12,000 BTUs).
   
2. Ductwork Requirements: If your new system differs from the previous one, check if new ductwork is needed to handle the change in air volume. This is measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). In–correct CFM can lead to noise issues, with some rooms becoming too cold or too warm.  Ask as to whether a ductwork sizing calculation has been done and whether the current ductwork matches it. This is additional work to a normal install.
   
3. Sealed Ductwork: Verify that your ductwork is properly sealed to prevent air leaks, which can reduce system efficiency and raise energy costs.
   
4. Existing Airflow Issues: Were there any airflow problems with your previous system? If so, mention them to the installer—these issues may stem from your existing ductwork setup and may not be solved with the new AC alone.
   
5. Electrical Suitability: Confirm that the existing breaker and power wiring are appropriate for the new AC system.
   
6. Condition of the Disconnect Switch: Ensure the disconnect switch is functioning properly. If it’s rusty or malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced.
   
7. Refrigerant Lines: Check if new refrigerant lines are necessary. A different model may require them, especially if the system uses a different refrigerant type.
   
8. Refrigerant Type: If the new system uses a different refrigerant, ensure the lines are flushed to remove any old refrigerant residue.

After Installation

1. Verify Installation: Make sure all the necessary steps mentioned above have been followed and double-check the work.
   
2. Refrigerant Levels: Ensure the refrigerant levels are correct. Incorrect levels can lead to inefficient cooling.
   
3. Vacuum Test: The system should be vacuumed down to below 500 microns to check for leaks.
   
4. Pressure Test with Nitrogen: The system should be pressurized with nitrogen to ensure it’s dry and leak-free.
   
5. Clean Installation: The technician should leave the installation site clean, with the system neatly installed.
   
6. Test Run: Ensure the system undergoes a test run before the technician leaves. This confirms that everything is running smoothly and efficiently.
7. Cooling ability Have the technician measure the incoming air temp from the register and the outgoing return airflow back to the Air Handler. This number should be between 14 and 20 degrees. Demonstrates how well the AC is cooling.

At Rutan Air Conditioning, we take pride in providing thorough, detail-oriented installations so your system runs smoothly and lasts longer. Have questions or need a new system? Call us today at (808) 800-1555 to schedule a consultation!