Air conditioning installation is a process extending far beyond the mounting of an air conditioner. A complete installation requires assessing electrical capabilities and needs as well as making a plan for ductwork to effectively distribute air through the home. First-time installations in an existing home can also require additional upgrades and alterations necessitating plumbing adjustments and carpentry work. When preparing for an HVAC project in a new build or an upgrade in an existing home, consider a few important questions before reaching out to a contractor for quotes. They will have their own similar questions for you and should also conduct a home assessment to provide a comprehensive price breakdown.

How much air conditioner do you need? 

Based on climate and the number of days a year cooling is required, it's possible a full air conditioning system is not needed. A window unit or freestanding air conditioner could suffice for cooling a few months a year. However, some homeowners object to the aesthetics of window units or the exhaust paths for freestanding units, making smaller full-home systems a better option to meet their needs. According to AC Masters, HVAC unit size is based on the cubic feet of the proposed cooling area, and units can serve places as small as 600 to 1100 square feet. For large properties, five-ton units can cool up to 3,300 square feet or multiple smaller units may be assigned to zones, such as different floors in a home, to maximize efficiency.

How much work will your home require? 

An HVAC contractor preparing an initial estimate for service fully reviews homes and shares any additional work that needs to be completed by other trade workers before air conditioning installation can begin. This can include upgrading an electrical box to meet the increased demands of an AC unit, designating space for an indoor unit in a split system install, and completing any necessary renovations to walls or plumbing to accommodate the unit. However, you likely know in advance if there are certain major considerations you need to plan for, such as the first-time installation of ductwork or upgrades to existing ductwork to increase airflow. A full-service HVAC contractor is generally able to help with running ductwork but may need to complete additional reviews and recommend further property improvements before it can be placed through the home.

How efficient is the unit? 

Ask your HVAC installer about the efficiency standards of different systems on offer to ensure you are meeting your cooling needs while minimizing the impact on your electrical usage. It can be helpful to request a home energy assessment from your electrical company or a third party to ensure other problem areas, such as substandard home insulation and drafty windows or doors are corrected, to make sure the cooling efforts of a new unit are contained within the home.

For more info, contact a local company like STA SO COOL HVAC.