When Should an Air Conditioner Be Installed?
Having an air conditioning unit installed is a huge investment that can last for decades with proper care. Getting your AC ready before the heat of summer begins is a great idea, but when exactly should you put in an air conditioning system? A single air conditioning installation could run anywhere from $3,000 to over $8,000 depending on the size and location of the home as well as whether or not ductwork already exists. In this article we will discuss some key factors to consider before investing in an ac system.
Inspecting Your Home’s Insulation
Before placing an order for a brand-new AC unit it is important to evaluate your current insulation needs. If the HVAC technician determines that your home lacks insulation, then your rate will be higher. This is because of the costly replacement of insulation, along with cost for installation of more attic insulation. If you do have enough insulation in your attic then it’s time to check the condition of your current unit.
Checking on Your Existing Unit
There are a few things that can affect how well an AC unit works and they aren’t always easy to find just by looking at them. For example, many units experience problems with their circuit boards which require them to go through several start-up processes before they can come online even though they may appear normal when plugged in. Another common issue is having leaks with your evaporator coil or issues with condenser coils which can cause an ac failure if not replaced quickly.
Add-ons and Upgrades
HVAC technicians recommend investing in upgrades when they are installing a new AC unit. This is because there may be several different accessories that you do not currently have but need to keep your HVAC system running at its best for years to come. For example, it is common for low SEER units to come with factory refrigerant charge (R-22). It’s important that you invest in R-410A refrigerant since this is the current industry standard which will allow your Ac to run more efficiently if this upgrade isn’t performed at installation.
If you’re not ready to buy a new AC system right now, there are still things that homeowners can do themselves to prepare their homes and bring down energy costs for upcoming months. You should check on areas of your home where insulation may be lacking and you should also consider investing in a programmable thermostat so you don’t needlessly raise your AC bill every year!