Steps in Installing Air Conditioning and Heating

Many homes, due to their location or their age, do not have central AC or heat. Many people who buy an "outdated" home do not live in that prime place where no air or heat is needed. This means the homebuyer will have to install air conditioning and heating. When going from noisy window units (which almost always let drafts through the window) to a central system, there are several steps that must occur in order to install the system.

The first is selecting a unit. This may seem like an easy first step; however, there are many things to consider whenever purchasing a unit. The size of the home and the electrical system are the two main components. No one wants to purchase a unit that does not have the capacity to cool or heat their home. If this occurs, the unit will run constantly to try and maintain the set temperature. This will cause energy usage to rise; therefore, raising the power bill, something no one wants to happen. Also, the unit must be compatible with the electrical system. If the electrical capacity is not able to support the unit, it will not work properly, causing uneven electric currents to flow through the house, which can be a serious fire hazard.

Step two is deciding where the unit should be installed. Even if the purchased unit is guaranteed to be quieter than others, fans and compressors are still going to make noise. This should always be taken into consideration when determining the location. While many people may enjoy hearing the white noise the outside unit creates and finds that it lulls them to sleep, some will find it to be an annoying buzzing that keeps them tossing and turning into the early morning hours. If unsure about which effect it will have, it is best to talk to the contractor or technician installing the air conditioning and heating system about possible locations and whether it can be placed somewhere out of ear shot from a bedroom window or home office.

Lastly, is inspecting the duct work in the home. If a home has no ducts-as is the case with many homes that do not have central AC and heat-they will need to be installed. This involves cutting a hole in the ceiling of each room that is wished to have a vent and running the duct from the air conditioning and heating unit to the hole. Even if a home is already equipped with ducts, modifications or repairs may have to be made to ensure they work correctly and deliver the air (whether warm or cold) efficiently to each room, which is important in maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the house.

Some people may feel that installing air conditioning and heating to a home can be a real pain. However, if the proper steps are followed and a licensed contractor or technician is doing the installation, it truly does not have to be a hassle.